For fractures of the lower limbs, the time for removing the cast is 4~6 weeks, and normal walking usually waits until 3 months after the fracture, but at the same time, it also needs to be based on the actual fracture healing and the number of fracture, the degree of comminution, the state of healing and the state of the nutrients, and whether there is any metabolic dysfunction.
1. If it is a stable fracture, such as some common fractures of the outer ankle, avulsion fracture, etc., it needs to be immobilized in U-shaped cast for about 4 weeks, and the removal of the cast can be resumed walking in about 6 weeks.
2. For some fractures around the knee joint, such as distal femur, proximal tibia, especially tibial plateau fracture, in addition to the fracture, but also with ligament, joint capsule and meniscus damage around the knee joint, the removal of the cast needs to be about 8 weeks after the fracture, according to the review of the film to determine the part of the weight bearing, and it often takes 10 to 12 weeks to be able to resume walking.
3. For hip fracture, it may take a little longer, it may take about 12 weeks to be able to step on the ground with light weight bearing, and eventually it may take about 16 weeks of training to be able to resume walking normally.
The approximate time you can walk on the ground before going to review the X-ray to make sure the fracture is completely healed. Therefore, the time of cast removal does not determine when you will be able to walk normally, but rather the attending physician’s decision is based on how well the fracture has healed.