Effect of early weight bearing program with conventional physiotherapy on functional outcomes in surgically treated proximal tibia fracture: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients are often instructed to avoid weight bearing on the proximal tibia for 6 - 12 weeks post-surgery to avoid fracture fixation failure. However, delayed weight bearing leads to delayed mobility, causing difficulties in daily activities; problems such as pain, limited knee ROM, reduced quadriceps muscle strength, and impaired functional outcomes are reported in long-term follow-up. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the feasibility and explore the effect size. The secondary aim was to determine the effectiveness of early weight bearing along with conventional physiotherapy on functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial with 30 participants with proximal tibia type I, II, and III fractures were included; they were randomized using computer-based software. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. Group I received early weight bearing along with conventional physiotherapy whereas Group II received restricted weight bearing along with conventional physiotherapy. Assessments were made on post-operative day 3 (POD-03), at discharge, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks. Radiographs were recorded immediately after the operation, at discharge, and at 12 weeks.

RESULTS: A full-scale RCT is feasible with an effect size between 0.3 - 0.7. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found within both groups 12 weeks post-surgery in all outcome measures; the difference was more prominent in the intervention group. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between both the groups post-12 weeks in all outcome measures except quadriceps isometric muscle strength.

CONCLUSION: A full-scale RCT for early weight bearing along with conventional physiotherapy for patients operated for Type I, II, and III proximal tibia fracture is feasible. Early weight bearing along with conventional physiotherapy could have a positive effect on reducing patient's pain perception and increasing knee joint mobility, quadriceps isometric muscle strength, knee function, and quality of life without any adverse effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrialsRegistry.gov (CTRI/2022/10/046797).