Poster Sessions - 2018 Research Day
Factors Related to Isolated ACL Tear, Reconstruction, and Subsequent Physical Therapy Rehabilitation for a 15 Year-Old Female Soccer Player: A Case Report
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
Hall of Governors
Start Date
4-6-2018 4:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2018 5:30 PM
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Injury to the ACL is seen across many populations, however there is a preponderance of ACL lesion in adolescent, female soccer athletes. While “accelerated” protocols boast significantly shorter recovery times, uncertainty still remains regarding their long-term success, compared to “traditional” protocols. Determining, understanding, and administering a proper ACL rehabilitation program is of vital societal, medical, and financial imperative.
Case Description: The patient was a 15 year-old African American female who presented to physical therapy following an injury to her right leg during a soccer match, which occurred when planting her right foot to shoot. Her orthopedist confirmed a tear of the right ACL and possible involvement of the right meniscus via MRI and recommended 7 weeks of physical therapy before reconstructive surgery. The patient then took part in 7 weeks of postoperative therapy on an accelerated protocol.
Outcomes: The patient completed 16 sessions of postoperative physical therapy (PT) and outcomes were positive, with notable improvements in strength, ROM, function, and quality of life. At the time of discharge, the patient was on course for an eventual return to athletics.
Discussion: The patient improvements throughout the 7 weeks of accelerated postoperative physical therapy were likely aided by several personal factors, most importantly a high level of motivation for the rehabilitation process. The accelerated protocol, although showing promising evidence in select populations, should be implemented only after careful consideration of all patient factors.
Factors Related to Isolated ACL Tear, Reconstruction, and Subsequent Physical Therapy Rehabilitation for a 15 Year-Old Female Soccer Player: A Case Report
Hall of Governors
Background and Purpose: Injury to the ACL is seen across many populations, however there is a preponderance of ACL lesion in adolescent, female soccer athletes. While “accelerated” protocols boast significantly shorter recovery times, uncertainty still remains regarding their long-term success, compared to “traditional” protocols. Determining, understanding, and administering a proper ACL rehabilitation program is of vital societal, medical, and financial imperative.
Case Description: The patient was a 15 year-old African American female who presented to physical therapy following an injury to her right leg during a soccer match, which occurred when planting her right foot to shoot. Her orthopedist confirmed a tear of the right ACL and possible involvement of the right meniscus via MRI and recommended 7 weeks of physical therapy before reconstructive surgery. The patient then took part in 7 weeks of postoperative therapy on an accelerated protocol.
Outcomes: The patient completed 16 sessions of postoperative physical therapy (PT) and outcomes were positive, with notable improvements in strength, ROM, function, and quality of life. At the time of discharge, the patient was on course for an eventual return to athletics.
Discussion: The patient improvements throughout the 7 weeks of accelerated postoperative physical therapy were likely aided by several personal factors, most importantly a high level of motivation for the rehabilitation process. The accelerated protocol, although showing promising evidence in select populations, should be implemented only after careful consideration of all patient factors.