Early Advanced Weight Bearing for Peri-articular Knee and Pilon Injuries

Early Advanced Weight Bearing for Peri-articular Knee and Pilon Injuries: An RCT Using the Anti-Gravity Treadmill (AlterG)

The overall objective of this study is to compare outcomes following early advanced weight bearing (EAWB) using the AlterG antigravity treadmill versus standard of care physical therapy for adult patients with lower extremity periarticular injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-55
• Closed or Open (Gustilo Type I, II or IIIA) fractures: Distal femur (AO/OTA 33B, 33C), tibial plateau (AO/OTA 41B, 41C), or Distal tibia/pilon (AO/OTA 43B, 43C)
• Definitively treated with a plate
• Ambulatory prior to injury
• Able to participate in rehab starting 28 days after definitive fixation
• Meets AlterG requirements (4'8- 6'4; 85-400lbs)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medical or psychological disease that would preclude safe functional testing (e.g., severe traumatic brain injury, stroke, heart disease, etc.)
• Prior joint trauma or disease of the operative extremity that resulted in pain, stiffness, or other limitation to mobility
• Injury to the contra-lateral limb, upper extremities or axial skeleton that would influence single limb weight-bearing or use of an assistive device
• Pregnancy
• Unable to speak English
• Severe problems with maintaining follow-up (e.g. patients who are prisoners, homeless at the time of injury, who are intellectually challenged without adequate family support, or have documented psychiatric disorders).
• Unable to provide informed consent.