Glossary term
Partial weight-bearing (PWB)
A weight-bearing status allowing only a fraction of body weight through the operated limb.
Updated 2026-03-011 alias3 sourcesUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
A weight-bearing status in which the patient is permitted to place only a fraction (typically 25-50%) of their body weight through the operated limb, using assistive devices such as crutches or a walker. Commonly prescribed during the distraction and early consolidation phases.
Aliases
PWB
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Cloyd RA, Veneziano G, Martin DP, et al. Regional anesthesia for pain management after orthopedic procedures for treatment of lower extremity length discrepancy. J Pain Res. 2020;13:547–554.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
- Suskind AM, et al. Michigan Appropriate Perioperative (MAP) criteria for urinary catheter use in common general and orthopaedic surgeries: results obtained using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. BMJ Open. 2019;9(3):e022757.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
- Ilizarov principles of deformity correction — Pari S, Ilizarov GA, Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2011official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Review of Ilizarov frame history and distraction osteogenesis principles.
Informational only. Not medical advice.