The Fragility Fracture Network endorses unrestricted weight-bearing after hip fracture surgery to enhance patient outcomes, recommending against routine limited or non-weight-bearing prescriptions.
Does unrestricted weight-bearing improve patient outcomes compared to limited or non-weight-bearing in older adults after hip fracture surgery?
Unrestricted weight-bearing after hip fracture surgery is endorsed globally to enhance recovery and reduce complications, challenging the persistent use of limited weight-bearing protocols.
Objectives: This position paper from the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) responds to the observed global variation in weight-bearing prescriptions after hip fracture surgery in older adults. Methods: The paper summarises current guidelines and evidence regarding unrestricted weight-bearing after hip fracture surgery. Results: The synthesis of available evidence supports the endorsement of unrestricted weight-bearing after surgery to enhance patient outcomes. Conclusion: The FFN endorses unrestricted weight-bearing and recommends healthcare professionals, institutions, and policymakers re-evaluate practices favouring limited or non-weight-bearing prescriptions and establish a standardised system for monitoring and auditing, with clear justification and documentation of any restrictions.
Turabi et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Hip fracture. Unrestricted weight-bearing vs. Limited or non-weight-bearing was evaluated. The Fragility Fracture Network endorses unrestricted weight-bearing after hip fracture surgery to enhance patient outcomes, recommending against routine limited or non-weight-bearing prescriptions.
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