Physical therapy management in knee ankylosis -Case study-

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to present a complicated case of a 2.8 year-old child with knee synovitis of unknown etiology which complicated in a very short time by the appearance of an ankylosis. The removal of the cast after 3 weeks revealed stiffness in flexion of the affected knee. Neither physiotherapy nor attempts to mobilize under anesthesia, led to the expected results. Consequently, the patient was referred to a surgery service for the adherence removal by arthrotomy. During the following 5 months, new complications developed due to a double tibia and peroneal fracture. After the consolidation of the fractures, both the therapist and the recovery protocol were changed. Method: For one and a half years, the child followed two weekly recovery sessions consisting in physiotherapy and massage. At home the child did an exercise program under parental supervision and worn an orthosis. Results: At the end of the rehabilitation program we noticed the restoring the normal amplitude of all the lower limb joints, restoring the muscular strength of the lower limb, and normal course resumption. Conclusion: In addition to the need for a correct diagnosis of the disease, such cases also require an adequate recovery protocol, following the instructions given by the treating physician and to ensure continuity of the rehabilitation program (both in a recovery and home program), until the complete rehabilitation of the deficit.