Mobile Weight-Support Therapy (MWeST) for Mobility After Geriatric Fracture

This is a two-year study proposal to assess feasibility of MWeST (Mobile Weight-Support Therapy) implementation after geriatric fracture and its effects on functional and patient-reported outcomes.

The goal of this study is to improve mobilization of geriatric lower extremity trauma patients, with the aim of improving overall functional and patient-reported outcomes while decreasing complications and readmissions. Almost 50% of the adult population in the United States has osteopenia or osteoporosis, with over 2 million fragility fractures per year and a projected $25 billion in costs by 2025. These patients are at high risk for readmission due to complications, and at increased risk of mortality with these complications. Sarcopenia, a generalized loss of skeletal muscle associated with aging, has also been associated with increased disability and increased risk of future fracture in these patients. The investigator's study aims to assess the value of weight-support therapy for geriatric patients with lower extremity trauma in improving their overall risk of future injury and disability.