Volume 24, Issue 104, July - August, 2020

Early physical rehabilitation post-surgery in a complex type 5 Schatzker Tibial plateau fracture improves functional outcomes: A case report

Dushyant Bawiskar, Sapna Dhote, Pratik Phansopkar^♦

Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

^♦Corresponding author
Assistant Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra. INDIA. Email: drpratik77@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Background: Tibia is large, long bone of the lower extremity and the tibial plateau consists of the medial and lateral condyles and the inter-condylar eminence. Fracture of the tibia accounts for about 20 percent in middle aged and 8 percent in elderly populations. Tibial plateau fracture encompasses a wide range of severity, ranging from stable non-displaced fractures with minimal soft tissue injury to highly comminuted unstable fractures with massive soft tissue injury. Prompt physical therapy post-surgery leads to achieve functional goals. 43 years old male patient with a type 5 schatzker classification communicated bi-condylar tibial plateau fracture was diagnosed on x-ray after a road accident, on which open reduction and internal fixation with buttress plates was done. Postsurgery patient’s concerns were reduced mobility of the right leg and unable to walk. Following the surgery patient underwent physiotherapy which comprised of exercises, electrotherapy, proprioception training and gait training for a period of 10 weeks which resulted in improvements in pain, range of motion, functional activities. Conclusion: The case report suggests that classic surgical approach and prompt structured physical rehabilitation led to improving the functional goals progressively and significantly which is a major aspect leading to a successful recovery.

Keywords: Physical therapy, Schatzker classification, Tibial Plateau Fracture, Rehabilitation, Buttress plates.

Medical Science, 2020, 24(104), 2675-2682

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