• PURPOSE
    • The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel approach involving permissive weight bearing (PWB) in surgically treated trauma patients with peri- and intra-articular fractures of the lower extremities.
  • METHODS
    • Prospective comparative multicenter cohort study in one level 1 trauma center and five level 2 trauma centers. Surgically treated trauma patients with peri- and intra-articular fractures of the lower extremities were included. Permissive weight bearing (PWB) in comparison to restricted weight bearing (RWB) was assessed over a 26-week post-surgery follow-up period. Patients' self-perceived outcome levels regarding activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QoL), pain and weight bearing compliance were used.
  • RESULTS
    • This study included 106 trauma patients (N = 53 in both the PWB and RWB groups). Significantly better ADL and QoL were found in the PWB group compared to the RWB group at 2-, 6-, 12- and 26-weeks post-surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates between the PWB and RWB groups.
  • CONCLUSION
    • PWB is effective and is associated with a significantly reduced time to full weight bearing, and a significantly better outcome regarding ADL and QoL compared to patients who followed RWB regimen. Moreover, no significant differences in complication rates were found between the PWB and RWB groups.
  • LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
    • Level II.
  • REGISTRATION
    • This study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6077). Date of registration: 01-09-2016.