Physical therapy management for a patient with delayed quadriceps tendon repair and secondary, unilateral lymphedema: A case report

Abstract

This case follows the complications, treatment, and results of a 69 years old male patient who sustained complete right quadriceps tendon tear secondary to a fall. Due to cardiovascular complications, surgery was delayed for a month, and reconstructive surgery was extensive. Methods He was assessed as suffering from significantly decreased range of motion (ROM), decreased strength, and secondary, unilateral lymphedema. Physical therapy began 10 weeks post surgery and consisted of a 3 month rehabilitation program to increase ROM, strength, and balance, as well as to reduce edema. Results Measures were assessed at initial evaluation and final discharge. Right knee Active Range of Motion (AROM) flexion increased from 60 to 86 degrees and extension improved from 26 to 15 degrees. Knee joint circumference was reduced from 49 cm to 45.4 cm. Lower Extremity Functional scale improved from 13/80 to 35/80. Timed Up and Go improved from 18 seconds with bilateral crutches to 7 seconds without crutches. Tandem balance progressed from less than 1 second to greater than 1 minute. Single Limb Stance from less than 1 second to 29 seconds on the right. Conclusion The case report describes the interventions status post delayed quadriceps tendon repair for an older adult that was effectively in improving AROM, functional mobility, and balance.