Overview
Aim of our study is to compare immediate full weight-bearing and partial weight-bearing for 6 weeks after a tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing. Co-primary outcome is return to work and physical component scale in the SF-36 questionnaire.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- AO/OTA 42-A/B acute, noncomminuted diaphyseal fracture of the tibia treated with intramedullary nailing with or without posterior malleolus screw fixation
- operated within 72 hours of admittance
- age between 18-65 years
Exclusion Criteria:
- the inability to fill out the Finnish versions of the questionnaires
- previous arthroplasty of the knee or the ankle of the fractured limb
- previous ipsilateral below-knee fracture requiring surgical treatment or ankle arthrodesis
- inability to co-operate
- not living independently (institutionalized living before fracture)
- open fracture (Gustilo grade 2 or over)
- pathologic or stress fracture
- multiple fractures requiring operative treatment in polytrauma patient
- severe medical comorbidity impairing daily activities (inability to go climb three floors without assistance and stopping)
- Body Mass Index over 40
- unacceptably high risk of surgery due to severe medical comorbidities
- severe substance abuse
- patient is retired
- age is less than 18 or more than 65
- patient required a fasciotomy due to acute compartment syndrome during or after index surgery
- inability to walk before fracture or a daily need of walking aid, such as crutches