Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Improves Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery

Launched by MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · Sep 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective a special type of physical therapy, called blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy, is for helping patients recover from a specific type of leg fracture known as a tibial plateau fracture. This type of fracture often requires surgery to fix, and the trial aims to see if adding BFR therapy to standard physical therapy can improve recovery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive standard physical therapy, while the other will receive physical therapy with BFR therapy. Researchers will follow the participants for one year to gather information on how well they are recovering, including their strength and ability to move their leg.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and have had surgery for a closed tibial plateau fracture. They should also be planning to attend physical therapy at a specific location that offers BFR therapy. However, certain conditions, like a history of blood clots or other serious injuries, may exclude someone from participating. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to take part in regular therapy sessions and will help researchers learn more about how to improve recovery for future patients with similar injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Equal to or greater than 18 years of age
• • 2. ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) of a closed unicondylar tibial plateau fracture
• • 3. Planning to attend physical therapy at one of the eligible Froedtert locations with BFR therapy capabilities
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patient is unable to provide consent
• • 2. At time of tibial plateau fracture has evidence of a(n)
• • 1. Open fracture(s)
• • 2. Fracture(s) with associated vascular injury,
• • 3. Fracture(s) with extensive soft tissue injury preventing the ability to apply a tourniquet
• • 4. Ipsilateral or contralateral lower extremity fracture(s)
• • 5. Pelvic or spinal trauma
• • 3. History of deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• • 4. History of peripheral vascular disease
• • 5. Body Mass Index \> 40
• • 6. Any history of condition that would affect the patient's ability to bear weight as tolerated post-operatively.