Riassunto dello studio

Eight hundred sixty-two patients with surgically treated ankle fractures were randomized to receive early weight bearing (EWB) (n=460) or later weight bearing (LWB) (n=402) post-operatively. The primary outcome of interest was ankle function, assessed using standardized scores (Olerud–Molander, AOFAS, or Baird–Jackson) at multiple time points. Secondary outcomes included time to return to work/daily life, and rate and types of complications. Outcomes were assessed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24–26 weeks, and 1 year post-surgery. Overall, the results of the study revealed that EWB led to significantly better ankle function up to 26 weeks and faster return to work/life, without an increase in complication rates. These findings suggest that EWB is both effective and safe in accelerating recovery following ankle fracture surgery.