Understanding Weight bearing restrictions

Weight-bearing restrictions after orthopedic surgery play a critical role in the healing and recovery process. This guide will help you understand what these restrictions mean, their importance, and the different categories of weight-bearing.

What Does Weight-Bearing Restriction Mean?

“Weight-bearing” refers to the act of putting weight on your limb, typically your leg or foot. After surgery, your orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo may place weight-bearing restrictions on you, which means limiting the amount of weight you can put on your operated limb during recovery.

These restrictions serve to protect the surgical site, facilitate healing, and prevent complications, including re-injury. The type and duration of the restrictions will depend on various factors, including the type of surgery, your overall health status, and Dr. Mayo’s protocols.

Why are Weight-Bearing Restrictions Needed?

Complying with weight-bearing restrictions is essential for a successful recovery for several reasons:

• Protection: Weight-bearing restrictions shield the surgical site from excessive force, which could disrupt the healing process or damage the surgical repair.
• Healing: By reducing stress on the operated area, your body can focus on healing the surgical site.
• Prevention of Complications: Overloading the operated area prematurely can lead to complications such as delayed healing, re-injury, or failure of the surgical repair.
• Guided Recovery: Adhering to the weight-bearing guidelines allows your body to adapt and recover in a controlled and gradual manner.

What are the Types of Weight-Bearing Restrictions?

There are several types of weight-bearing restrictions:

• Non-Weight-Bearing (NWB): No weight at all is to be put on the operated leg. The leg must not touch the ground and must be fully supported at all times. Crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair may be necessary for mobility.
• Touchdown or Toe-Touch Weight-Bearing: Only the toes can lightly touch the ground, akin to having a feather resting on the foot. The aim is not to bear weight but to maintain balance.
• Partial Weight-Bearing (PWB): A fraction of the body’s weight (e.g., 20% or 50%) can be put on the affected limb. This usually involves using crutches or a walker to offload weight.
• Weight-Bearing As Tolerated (WBAT): Weight can be applied to the operated leg as comfort allows, from a minimum of toe touch to full weight-bearing. The patient is instructed to avoid pushing through pain.
• Full Weight-Bearing (FWB): The patient can put 100% of their weight on the operated leg, typically the goal at the end of the recovery period.

Weight-bearing restrictions play a pivotal role in the healing and rehabilitation process following orthopedic surgery. Non-compliance can potentially lead to complications, delayed recovery, or even surgery failure. Therefore, it’s essential to understand and strictly adhere to your weight-bearing guidelines.

Your orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo emphasizes individualized care and will provide clear and precise instructions regarding weight-bearing restrictions based on your specific surgical procedure and personal recovery goals. Remember, communication is key. If you have any questions or concerns about weight-bearing after your surgery, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to guide you through your recovery journey.