Orthonotes
Orthonotes
by the.bonestories
v4.1 Fusion X
v4.1 Fusion X
Forum answer

Non-weight bearing for 6 weeks or WBAT immediately?

This is a permanent link to one response in the wider orthopaedic discussion.

The Bone Stories ✓ Verified
Published 05 Sep 2026, 02:02 PM · 0 votes
• Ankle ORIF: stable fixation → early protected WB, often progressing from ~2 weeks. • ACL reconstruction: progressive WBAT from the first week if uncomplicated. • Meniscal repair: tear-specific — stable vertical repairs can tolerate early WB; radial/root/complex repairs generally need 4–6 weeks restriction. • Distal femur: increasingly favour early WB when reduction and construct stability permit; current evidence hasn't shown higher revision/complication rates, although evidence isn't strong enough for every fracture. • Primary uncomplicated TKA/THA: early mobilisation/WBAT, usually from day 0–1. Ultimately I’d base WB on fracture/tear pattern + bone quality + fixation stability + associated procedures + patient compliance, rather than a fixed number of weeks.