Smart crutch tipsTM real-time feedback improves adherence to partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery: a pilot study.

Michael Coons; Fiona Cherry; Sophia Miller; Nina Fisher; Kenneth Egol

doi:10.1007/s00590-026-04879-8

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Smart crutch tipsTM real-time feedback improves adherence to partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery: a pilot study.

Michael Coons·Fiona Cherry·Sophia Miller·Nina Fisher·Kenneth Egol

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Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Smart Crutch Tips™ in promoting adherence to prescribed early partial weight-bearing (PWB) protocols and to assess patient experience with real-time weight-bearing feedback during home rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty patients with lower extremity fractures prescribed partial weight-bearing (PWB) were randomized into two groups utilizing real-time feedback crutch tips (RFC). The Intervention group (n = 10) used Smart Crutch Tips™ (ComeBack Mobility Inc., Kiev, Ukraine), which provided real-time feedback on weight-bearing compliance. The Control group (n = 10) also used crutches equipped with Smart Crutch Tips™, but notifications were disabled, allowing passive data collection without patient feedback. Weight-bearing compliance was defined as the percentage of steps within ± 10% of the prescribed target. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and device usability assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS) throughout the home rehabilitation period. RESULTS: The Intervention group demonstrated significantly greater PWB compliance compared with the Control group (73.6% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.01). The Intervention group reported a mean SUS score of 84.25, indicating excellent usability. No device-related complications or adverse events were observed. Patient satisfaction, assessed through video interviews, was high, with participants in the Intervention group expressing a strong willingness to recommend the device to others with similar injuries and rating it 10 out of 10. CONCLUSION: Smart Crutch Tips™ significantly improved adherence to prescribed partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery. The RFC device demonstrated high usability, excellent patient satisfaction, and no device-related complications during home rehabilitation throughout the study period.

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Humans Female Partial Weight-Bearing Crutches Pilot Projects Male Middle Aged Patient Compliance Patient Satisfaction Fractures, Bone Adult Aged Weight-Bearing Partial weight-bearing, Biofeedback, Rehabilitation adherence, Wearable technology, Lower extremity trauma, Crutch ambulation, Postoperative rehabilitation, Remote patient monitoring.Journal Article Randomized Controlled Trial

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Michael Coons, Fiona Cherry, Sophia Miller, Nina Fisher, Kenneth Egol. 2026-09-08. Smart crutch tipsTM real-time feedback improves adherence to partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery: a pilot study.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-026-04879-8

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Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial resource Adult subject Aged subject Female subject Fractures, Bone subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Male subject Middle Aged subject Patient Compliance subject Patient Satisfaction subject Pilot Projects subject Randomized controlled trials study

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