IMMEDIATE FULL WEIGHT BEARING VERSUS PARTIAL WEIGHT BEARING AFTER STABLE INTERNAL FIXATION OF POSTERIOR WALL ACETABULAR FRACTURES: A COMARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Acetabular fractures are severe injuries requiring surgical intervention for hip joint stability and function. Posterior wall fractures constitute 40-50% of acetabular fractures. Optimal treatment involves open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), aiming for precise reduction and stable fixation to enable early rehabilitation.Postoperative weight-bearing protocols remain debated, with varying practices from immediate full weight-bearing (FWB) to restricted partial weight-bearing (PWB). This study compares these protocols in terms of fracture healing, functional recovery, and complication rates.________________________________________AIM OF THE WORK:To compare the outcomes of immediate full weight-bearing versus partial weight-bearing after stable internal fixation of posterior wall acetabular fractures.________________________________________PATIENTS AND METHODS:Study Design: Prospective randomized comparative study.Population: 45 patients with posterior wall acetabular fractures treated at El-Hadra University Hospital.• Group A (FWB): 23 patients allowed weight-bearing as tolerated within 24-48 hours postoperatively.• Group B (PWB): 22 patients restricted to touch-down weight-bearing within 24-48 hours postoperatively.