Criteria-based Rehabilitation After Tibial Fracture Fixation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with surgically fixed tibial fractures in Gaza are randomly assigned to either a 6-8 week program guided by clinical and functional criteria or to standard physiotherapy. The intervention includes 2-3 supervised sessions per week plus home exercises, with progression only allowed when predefined criteria are met and weight-bearing limits are respected. Primary outcome is lower-extremity function measured by LEFS, with secondary outcomes on mobility, walking endurance, pain, range of motion, ambulation, aids use, and adverse events, assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The approach aims to determine if a standardized, criteria-based rehabilitation improves functional recovery after tibial fracture fixation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria:

* Age ≥18 years.
* Traumatic unilateral tibial fracture involving the proximal tibia/tibial plateau, tibial shaft, or distal tibia.
* Treated with surgical fixation.
* Recruitment 2-8 weeks after the index fixation surgery.
* Medically and surgically stable and cleared by the treating team to participate in physiotherapy.
* Documented postoperative weight-bearing status/instructions from the treating orthopedic team.
* Able to participate in the study rehabilitation and complete the planned functional assessments when permitted by weight-bearing status.
* Able to understand study instructions and provide written informed consent.
* Open fractures are eligible provided the wound is clinically stable, there is no active uncontrolled infection preventing rehabilitation, and rehabilitation has been authorized by the treating surgical team.

Exclusion criteria:

* Pathological fracture.
* Unstable fixation, fixation failure, or any orthopedic/medical contraindication to progressive rehabilitation.
* Active or uncontrolled infection requiring restriction or interruption of rehabilitation.
* Lower-limb amputation affecting functional assessment.
* Spinal cord injury or severe traumatic brain injury affecting mobility or ability to participate.
* Pre-existing neurological disorder substantially affecting gait or lower-limb function.
* Major concomitant injury to either lower limb that substantially limits walking or participation in the rehabilitation protocol.
* Severe cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions, valid outcome assessment, or informed consent.
* Any medical condition considered by the treating physician to make participation in the rehabilitation program unsafe.

Where it's running

• Mohammed Matar
  Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mosab M Aldabbas, PhD
• Email: mosab.m.aldabbas@gmail.com
• Phone: 00972597451222

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Comparing the standard tibial intramedullary nail with a micromotion tibial nail for unstable tibial fractures.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.