Physiotherapy Intervention Focusing on Proprioceptive Retraining for Tibial Pseudoarthrosis Patients Operated With Ilizarov External Fixator: A Case Report

• Published in: Cureus Vol. 16; no. 1; p. e52274
• Main Authors: Rohankar, Anushka, Thakre, Vaishnavi M, Deshpande, Maithili M
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2024
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52274

Pseudoarthrosis of the tibia is an uncommon condition that occurs due to non-union of bone and typically requires surgery. It may cause fractures that develop spontaneously or after minor trauma. Physiotherapy is an excellent treatment for this uncommon condition. The tibia of the affected limb becomes malformed and bends backwards. This case report outlines the interdisciplinary programme adopted to successfully manage a 23-year-old female patient with right-sided tibial pseudoarthrosis. Following the implantation of Ilizarov's external fixator to correct the deformity, the patient was referred to the physiotherapy department for post-operative management. After the implementation of a tailor-made physiotherapy protocol focusing on proprioceptive retraining, significant improvements were seen in her joint proprioception, muscular strength and range of motion.