Fig. 1

Joint immobilization causes joint pain and osteophyte formation in patients. A Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. VAS scores were obtained in patients with extraarticular fractures with and without 6-week immobilization at the indicated time points after mobilization removal. N = 6 per group. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (sd). **P < 0.01. B Typical case 1. The patient underwent conservative external fixation for avulsion fracture of the left tibial tubercle, which was removed 6 weeks later. The patient was unable to move due to knee pain, and X-ray examination showed slight osteophyte of patella. Anterior and lateral X-ray of knee joints at the beginning of immobilization (B1, B2), anterior and lateral X-ray of knee joints 6 weeks after joint immobilization (B3, B4). C Typical case 2. The patient underwent conservative treatment with external fixation for avulsion fracture of the left lateral ankle, which was excluded after 6 weeks. Due to ankle pain, the patient was afraid to move, and X-ray examination showed serious osteophyte formation 1 year later. Anterior and lateral X-ray of ankle joints before joint immobilization (C1, C2), anterior and lateral X-ray of ankle joints 1 year after joint immobilization (C3, C4). The red arrow shows osteophyte