| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction The prescription of lower limb weight-bearing instructions in the post-operative period is an integral factor in fracture healing. A unified and uniformly understood communication system is essential to ensure a smooth healing process. The aim of this study is to assess whether a unified communication system exists between orthopaedic-traumatologists when prescribing postoperative weight-bearing instructions after B2 ankle fractures, and to assess the postoperative weight-bearing prescription methodologies currently in practice in Lithuania. Methods Identical electronic and paper surveys were prepared for the study and distributed to Lithuanian orthopaedic-traumatologists through social-media and hospital internal communication channels. The paper survey was conducted in Alytus and Vilnius hospitals. Non-parametric statistical analysis was used to evaluate the collected data. R-4.2.0 was used for calculating the logistic regression model and for descriptive statistical analysis MS Excel was used. Results A total of 38 respondents, 78.9% orthopaedic-traumatology physicians and 21.1% residents were interviewed. High deviations were observed in the standard deviation for “Partial weight-bearing” (SD 1.255), “weight-bearing with leg weight” (SD 1.429) and “weight-bearing as tolerated” (SD 2.374). 78.9% of respondents agree that the development of standardised terminology for defining weight-bearing would make easer the work of giving instructions to the patient. A total of 76.3% of respondents disagree that there is a standardised terminology defining load in Lithuania. 36.8% allow weight-bearing in the postoperative period. When prescribing a preliminary postoperative weight-bearing plan, the most frequently used definitions were partial weight-bearing, non weight-bearing. Respondents have an average objective term of postoperative weight-bearing limitation of 9.34 weeks. Respondents use consolidation term (89.47%), type of fracture (86.84%), stability of osteosynthesis (84.21%), patient age (65.79%), harmful habits (28.95%), and co-morbidities (47.37%) when choosing the weight-bearing. Summary The data of the study allow us to substantiate the need for a consensus on weight-bearing terminology in Lithuania. It is recommended to extend the study to open questions in order to broaden the knowledge of the vocabulary used in everyday practice. |
