What does PWB stand for in medical terminology?

The abbreviation PWB stands for "Partial Weight-Bearing," which signifies a specific level of weight that a patient is allowed to put on an injured limb or joint during recovery. This means that while the patient can place some weight on the affected area, it is not the full weight. This approach is commonly used in rehabilitation settings to promote healing while still allowing some mobility. It supports the healing process by helping maintain muscle strength and joint function without overloading the injured area.

In contrast, terms like total weight-bearing, full weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing refer to different levels of weight allowance that do not apply to the definition of PWB. Total and full weight-bearing implies that the patient can place their full weight on the limb without restriction, while non-weight-bearing indicates that no weight at all can be placed on the limb.