Early versus delayed weightbearing for postoperative ankle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of an early weightbearing (EWB) strategy (walking two weeks after surgery) with a delayed weightbearing strategy (DWB) (walking six weeks after surgery) for postoperative ankle fractures.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EWB with DWB in patients with postoperative ankle fracture. Outcomes included the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), time to return to work/life, and complications. After screening the literature according to eligibility criteria, data extraction, quality evaluation, and meta-analysis were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

Results

Ten RCTs with 1276 patients were included in this study. Compared with the DWB group, the EWB group showed greater improvement in OMAS in the early postoperative stage (six weeks) [MD = 5.86, 95% CI = (3.64, 8.08), P < 0.001] and middle stage (12 weeks to four months) [MD = 3.17, 95% CI = (0.84, 5.50), P = 0.008]. However, no significant difference was observed in the late stage (12 months) [MD = 1.86, 95% CI = (-0.50, 4.22), P = 0.12]. In addition, the EWB strategy shortened the average time to return to work/daily life [MD=−1.75, 95% CI = (−2.52, −0.98), P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in complications between the EWB and the DWB groups [RR = 1.34, 95% CI = (0.96, 1.86), P = 0.08].

Conclusion

The results revealed that the EWB strategy was safe and effective in improving OMAS in the early and middle postoperative stages. Additionally, EWB enabled patients to return to work and daily life earlier than DWB did.

Level of Clinical Evidence

1