Early weight bearing in tibial plateau fractures treated with ORIF: a systematic review of literature

Background: To review the current clinical evidence on advantages and risks of early weight bearing (EWB) after internal fixation for tibial plateau fracture. Methods: Data source: PubMed and Google Scholar from inception of database to 20 August 2021, using PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies, case reports. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers. Collected data were compared to verify agreement. Statistical analysis was not performed in this study. Results: The literature search produced 174 papers from PubMed and 186 from Google Scholar, with a total amount of 360 papers. The two reviewers excluded 301 papers by title or duplicates. Of the 59 remaining, 33 were excluded after reading the abstract, and 17 by reading the full text. Thus, 9 papers were finally included in the review. Conclusions: EWB can be considered safe and effective in selected cases after internal fixation for tibial plateau fractures. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III.