Early physiotherapy rehabilitation of the distal tibia and fibula fractures after fixation - a case report

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport Vol. 23; no. 5; pp. 1272 - 1278
• Main Authors: Gashi, Feim, Kovačič, Tine, Boshnjaku, Arben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pitesti Universitatea din Pitesti 01.05.2023
• Subjects: Ankle; Bones; Case reports; Evidence Based Practice; Exercise; Fractures; Hemoglobin; Injuries; Intervention; Laboratories; Leukocytes; Orthopedics; Physical Activities; Physical Activity Level; Physical therapy; Protocol; Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation Programs; Safety Equipment; Sports injuries; Surgery; Team Sports; Trauma; Kosovo
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2023.05156

Introduction: The chirurgical treatment of an unsteady ankle fracture consists of the anatomic recovery of bones and ligaments and the structures that surround the ankle. Regardless of age, gender, profession, or physical activity level, if possible, the preferred procedure should be an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery because this method has been proven to shorten the treatment period while being harmless to the overall health. The treatment of these injuries using the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique can minimize the damage to the soft tissues as well as the damage to the vascular integrity of the fracture fragments. Problem Statement and Approach: The patient was a 30-year-old professional football player, playing for the Kosovo super league, without other associated disease. The athlete suffered an injury resulting in the fracture of distal tibial and fibular bones, which that require her to undergo an ORIF surgery to fixate the fractured bones. Materials and Methods: In this study, the following steps were followed: interview with the patient, analysis of medical reports, functional diagnostics, physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy, and implementation of nutritional programs. Results: A well-planned and executed rehabilitation program enabled the subject to return to the highest levels within a short recovery time period (by the 20th week). Discussion and Conclusion: Considering the early intervention, the type of chirurgical procedure, the strong motivation and psychological state of mind, and the constant application of the therapeutic plan during every stage of the abovementioned protocol allowed the subject to initiate the situational individual training with his trainer starting from the 16th week. The cooperation of the patient, his motivation, and the application of the physiotherapy intervention program according to evidence-based practice have been primary and contributory factors in his return to sports.