Early Weight-Bearing Speeds Fracture Healing: Challenging Conventional Wisdom
A new study challenges the long-held belief that immobilization is best for broken bones. Contrary to the traditional advice of six weeks of non-weight-bearing, research now shows that early weight-bearing, beginning just weeks after surgery, leads to faster healing and improved quality of life with no increased risk of complications. This is supported by a large-scale randomized controlled trial focusing on ankle fractures, and other studies examining femur and hip fractures. The author uses her husband's experiences to illustrate the benefits of this approach, highlighting the faster recovery time compared to traditional methods. This shift in medical practice emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal when given appropriate stimulus, improving patient outcomes and shortening recovery periods.