Dr. Jackson Robinson leads review comparing weight-bearing monitoring devices in lower extremity fractures

A study led by Dr. Jackson Robinson—a second-year resident in the UBC Department of Orthopaedics—examined the effectiveness of various non-invasive devices used to measure weight-bearing following lower extremity fractures.

The librarian-assisted study, “Weight-Bearing Monitoring Devices in Lower Extremity Fractures: A Scoping Review,” compared over 30 distinct devices. The goal was to assess which currently available options can accurately measure weight-bearing activity following the treatment of lower extremity fractures and to determine whether patient compliance with weight-bearing restrictions has a measurable impact on rehabilitation.

Dr. Robinson began the project during his time in medical school. He was inspired by Dr. David Stockton, a clinical assistant professor in the UBC Department of Orthopaedics, whom he had met through Entrepreneurship@UBC program during his undergraduate studies. Dr. Stockton suggested that this area of research could significantly impact fracture treatment.

With funding from the UBC Department of Orthopaedics 2023 Summer Student Research Grant, Dr. Robinson collaborated with Dr. Stockton and orthopaedic resident Dr. Alice Wang, alongside UBC librarians, Aubrey Geyer and Kristina McDavid.

The team developed an effective search strategy and reviewed available literature on Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRA to identify weight-bearing monitoring devices used in lower extremity fractures.

The review revealed a variety of devices on the market that provide objective data for weight-bearing monitoring. These devices range from simple step-count monitors to advanced gait analysis systems. Insole-type devices, which patients can wear in their shoes or incorporate into a removable boot, appeared to be particularly suitable for ambulatory monitoring in the context of lower extremity fracture care.

“What excites me most about this research is the opportunity to contribute to objective, evidence-based weight-bearing recommendations for lower extremity fracture care.”

— Dr. Jackson Robinson, second-year orthopaedics resident

The findings indicated that multiple commercially available devices are appropriate for monitoring weight-bearing activities in an ambulatory setting. Looking ahead, the team plans to use the results of this review to inform a pilot study incorporating these devices.