Patient Information – Case Study

Chhaya Shah

62 Years Old | Female

🩺 Relevant Medical History

  • Rheumatoid arthritis for the past 35 years
  • Bilateral total hip replacement
  • Bilateral total knee replacement

Presenting Complaints

  • Bilateral knee pain following a fall.
  • Difficulty with transitional movements, specifically sit-to-stand and getting out of bed.
  • Reduced tolerance for weight-bearing activities, including standing and walking.

Medical Diagnosis

  • Right patellar fracture.

Mechanism of Injury

  • The patient experienced a sudden loss of balance while standing and sustained a direct fall onto both knees, resulting in a fracture of the right patella.

Surgical / Medical Management

  • Surgical fixation of the right patella using K‑wire fixation
  • Post‑operative medical management for pain control and inflammation

Assessment & Clinical Findings

Clinical Findings

  • Pain: Pain present over the right knee, aggravated by movement and weight bearing
  • Mobility: Restricted bed mobility and difficulty with transfers
  • Functional Limitation: Difficulty in sitting, standing, walking, and performing activities of daily living (ADLs)

Physiotherapy Intervention Plan

Bed Mobility Exercises

  • Bed mobility exercises to improve movement in bed

Bed Transfer Training

  • Bed transfer training for safe movement

Progressive Weight-Bearing

  • Progressive weight‑bearing exercises as tolerated

Gait Training

  • Gait training using a walker

ADL Training

  • ADL training to improve functional independence

Treatment Outcomes

Significant reduction in knee pain

Able to sit independently

Able to stand with the support of a walker

Ambulates with a walker

Able to climb stairs with assistance

Clinical Conclusion

This case highlights the effectiveness of a comprehensive physiotherapy approach in managing cervical spondylosis with lumbar radiculopathy. The treatment plan successfully addressed the patient’s symptoms through a combination of therapeutic exercises, pain management techniques, and postural correction strategies. The significant improvement in pain levels and functional abilities demonstrates the value of targeted rehabilitation in managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The patient’s ability to return to prolonged two-wheeler driving without significant discomfort underscores the success of the intervention in restoring functional independence and quality of life.