Success Story
C.R., a 61-year-old woman, was involved in a motor vehicle accident in June. She sustained a right talar neck fracture and malleolar fracture with extension into the weight bearing portion of the tibia and underwent open reduction and internal fixation. She was discharged from the hospital to Brewer Rehab and Living Center for extensive rehab services. She had a remote history of hypertension, gout and depression. She received extensive rehab consisting of physical and occupational services 5x/wk as tolerated.
Her physical therapy course was as follows: at time of admission, she required contact guard assist with bed mobility and transfers, was able to take six steps with a standard walker non-weight bearing right lower extremity, and unable to perform stairs functioning primarily from wheelchair level. She received physical therapy for extensive strengthening, therapeutic activities, balance, gait, safety and patient and family education to maximize independence. She progressed dramatically throughout her rehab stay. She remained non-weight bearing on her right lower extremity throughout her rehab stay. She was treated for 4.5 weeks. At time of discharge she was independent with all bed mobility and transfers. She ambulated 250’ with a standard walker non-weight bearing right lower extremity independently and was able to ascend/descend 4 stepsx3 with rails independently non-weight bearing right lower extremity. C.R. was independent with a home exercise program to continue strengthening while awaiting increased weight bearing for right lower extremity.
Her occupational therapy course improved as well. CR required minimal-moderate assist for bathing and dressing, moderate assist for toileting and supervision for grooming tasks. She received therapy with interventions including self-care, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, patient and family education and neuromuscular re-education. She made extensive gains in occupational therapy, achieving Modified independent in all areas of activities of daily living, toileting and grooming with non-weight bearing lower extremity.
C.R. discharged to home with her mother after 4.5 weeks of rehab at non-weight bearing right lower extremity level and independent with all necessary mobility and activities of daily living with the use of a standard walker. At-home physical and occupational therapy were recommended to continue to maximize her gains and progress her weight-bearing status when appropriate.
