Comparing weight-bearing methods after foot surgery for bunions

Is Full Weight Bearing After the Modified Lapidus Operation Possible? A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Early and Partial Weight-bearing

Not applicable Interventional Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT05534724

This study is testing whether letting patients put some weight on their foot or allowing them to walk normally after bunion surgery helps them heal better and feel less pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment122 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lugano)
Trial IDNCT05534724 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of two different post-operative management strategies following modified Lapidus arthrodesis for hallux valgus. Patients will be randomly assigned to either a partial weight-bearing group (limited to 10-15kg) or a complete weight-bearing group for six weeks. The study will assess healing through X-ray evaluations and measure pain severity and quality of life using standardized scoring systems at multiple time points post-surgery. The goal is to determine which approach leads to better recovery outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for modified Lapidus arthrodesis with or without additional surgical procedures on the foot.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or those who have had previous foot surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve recovery protocols and enhance quality of life for patients undergoing bunion surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored post-operative management in foot surgeries, this specific comparison of weight-bearing methods is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient who undergo modified Lapidus arthrodesis operation and associated with:
* Additional surgical gestures such as e.g. interventions on the proximal phalanx of the first finger (Akin) or interventions on the 2nd and / or 3rd ray (Weil / Hohmann) \[23,24\].
* Willingness and ability to participate in the trial
* Signed Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diabetes mellitus
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Previous foot surgery
* Classic Lapidus surgery
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, general physical problem of the participant, etc.
* Inability or contraindications to undergo the investigated intervention
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

Lugano

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hallux ValgusOrthopedic DisorderQuality of lifeBone consolidationFoot surgeryLapidus surgeryWeil surgeryHohmann surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.