Table 2.

Results and differences in Olerud Molander Ankle Score, time to return to work and sports

	Unprotected non-weight-bearing (n = 37)	Protected weight-bearing (n = 36)	Unprotected weight-bearing (n = 42)	p value
Olerud Molander score 6 weeks	45.8 (± 22.4)	51.8 (± 20.4)	61.2 (± 19.0)	0.011*
Olerud Molander score 12 weeks	67.9 (± 19.8)	68.6 (± 14.6)	72.2 (± 19.4)	0.566*
Olerud Molander score 6 months	80.9 (± 18.0)	86.0 (± 13.9)	85.5 (± 19.2)	0.496*
Olerud Molander score 1 year	88.7 (± 11.4)	89.1 (± 15.0)	86.8 (± 16.0)	0.773*
Time to return to work in weeks˟	7.0 (± 5.3) (n = 32)	5.7 (± 4.9) (n = 34)	4.1 (± 3.3) (n = 39)	0.028*
Time to return to sports in weeks˟	14.1 (± 5.7) (n = 26)	12.7 (± 8.4) (n = 25)	8.9 (± 4.7) (n = 35)	0.005*
Complications	Total: 5 (13.5%) − 3× low grade infection° − 1× dystrophy − 1× deep venous thrombosis	Total: 1 (2.7%) − 1× low grade infection°	Total: 3 (7.1%) − 3× low grade infection°	0.228†

This table shows the functional outcome using the Olerud Molander Ankle Score, the time to return to work and sports, and the number of complications based on the postoperative treatment of ankle fractures. The Olerud Molander Ankle Score ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score indicates a better functional outcome. Improved function was seen at 6 weeks in the mobilization as tolerated study arm. On all other time points no significant differences were seen. In addition, patients in the unprotected weight-bearing group demonstrated a reduced time to return to work and sports

Mean scores (± standard deviation) are shown

*ANOVA

˟Analysis was performed on the number of patients that reported they had work, respectively, performed sports

°A low-grade infection was defined as a clinical suspicion of a wound infection based on redness and pus and/or fever in combination with the necessity of antibiotic treatment

^†Chi square