From the Research
Weight-Bearing Status for Non-Displaced Weber B (Fibula) Fracture Treated with a Cast
- The weight-bearing status for a non-displaced Weber B (fibula) fracture treated with a cast is a topic of interest in orthopedic research.
- Studies have shown that weightbearing is safe in stable transsyndesmotic, isolated lateral simple ankle fractures, including Weber B fractures 1, 2.
- A prospective randomized controlled trial found that patients with stable transsyndesmotic, lateral isolated simple ankle fractures who were treated with permissive weightbearing in a walking boot had better outcomes than those treated with non-weightbearing immobilization using a below-the-knee cast 1.
- Another study found that early weightbearing improves the quality of life and functionality in elderly patients with Weber type B fracture without increasing complications 2.
- A case series of weightbearing stable bimalleolar fractures treated nonoperatively found that all fractures showed radiological progression of fracture healing and that weightbearing and mobilization using a walking boot may be a safe treatment for patients with stable Weber B fractures 3.
Evidence for Weightbearing
- The evidence suggests that weightbearing is safe and may be beneficial for patients with non-displaced Weber B (fibula) fractures treated with a cast 1, 2, 3.
- However, it is essential to note that the decision to allow weightbearing should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's fracture stability and overall health.
- Other studies have investigated the relationship between weightbearing and fracture healing in different types of fractures, including tibial fractures 4 and distal femur fractures 5.
- These studies provide additional evidence for the safety and potential benefits of weightbearing in fracture management, but their relevance to non-displaced Weber B (fibula) fractures treated with a cast is indirect.