A Comprehensive Physiotherapeutic Intervention for Complex Proximal Tibia Fracture With Ilizarov Fixator and Foot Drop in 18-Year-Old Adult: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report details the successful physiotherapy rehabilitation of an 18-year-old with a complex tibia fracture and foot drop after a bike accident.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel physiotherapeutic approach for complex proximal tibia fractures with foot drop using Ilizarov fixators.

Findings

The rehabilitation approach significantly reduced pain and improved range of motion and muscle strength.

Sensory impairment was reduced, and functional independence was regained as shown by improved scores on functional scales.

Post-operative physical therapy was identified as a key factor in successful recovery.

Abstract

The susceptibility of the tibia to fractures arises from its exposed position, making it a commonly affected area. The proximal tibia exhibits a wide metaphyseal region that gradually narrows distally, forming a triangular shape. The extended tibia shaft articulates with the fibula, talus, and distal femur. We have discussed the case of an 18-year-old male who experienced a road traffic accident on January 7, 2023, involving a collision between his bike and four-wheeler, resulting in high-energy forces impacting his left lower limb. As a consequence, he lost mobility in the left lower limb. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with a compound grade 3C proximal tibia fracture treated with Ilizarov fixators, accompanied by a neurovascular deficit leading to a foot drop on the left side. Additionally, he had a previous operative case involving a femur shaft fracture on the left side, which was managed with in situ implants. It concluded that the rehabilitation approach was effective in pain reduction, improving range of motion, muscle strength, and reducing sensory impairment. Improved results on the lower extremity functional scale and the foot and ankle ability measures showed that the physiotherapy method had been successful in helping the patient regain independence in everyday activities. The success of rehabilitation and the recovery of patients are greatly influenced by post-operative physical therapy.

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