%0 Journal Article
%T Weight-bearing Guidelines for Common Geriatric Upper and Lower Extremity Fractures.
%A Dong W
%A Lisitano LSJ
%A Marchand LS
%A Reider LM
%A Haller JM
%J Curr Osteoporos Rep
%V 21
%N 6
%D 2023 12
%M 37973761
%F 5.163
%R 10.1007/s11914-023-00834-2
%X The purpose of this review paper is to summarize current weight-bearing guidelines for common geriatric fractures, around weight-bearing joints, of the upper and lower extremities.<BR>There is an increasing amount of literature investigating the safety and efficacy of early weight-bearing in geriatric fractures, particularly of the lower extremity. Many recent studies, although limited, suggest that early weight-bearing may be safe for geriatric distal femur and ankle fractures. Given the limited data pertaining to early weight-bearing in geriatric fractures, it is difficult to establish concrete weight-bearing guidelines in this population. However, in the literature available, early weight-bearing appears to be safe and effective across most injuries. The degree and time to weight-bearing vary significantly based on fracture type and treatment method. Future studies investigating postoperative weight-bearing protocols should focus on the growing geriatric population and identify methods to address specific barriers to early weight-bearing in these patients such as cognitive impairment, dependence on caregivers, and variations in post-acute disposition.