Physical Therapy Commons^™

Transfemoral Amputation Of A Male With Type Ii Diabetes: A Case Study, Daniel Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study is focused on the treatment of an individual with a residual limb after a transfemoral amputation. The main goal is to help provide a greater understanding of how to treat the residual limb after a transfemoral amputation has been performed.

Case Description. This case study focuses on an older gentleman who recently underwent a transfemoral amputation of the right lower extremity because of dysvacularity. The patient was obese and had diabetes which is not uncommon for patients with an amputation. Physical therapy provided care in many ways including but not limited to …

Osteochondritis Dissecans (Ocd): A Case Report, Brady Meyer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Osteochondritis Diseccans, (OCD) is the separation of articular cartilage and its adjacent underlying subchondral bone from the articular surface of a joint. Multiple hypotheses have been put forward regarding the cause of OCD including inflammation, ossification abnormalities, ischemia, and repetitive microtrauma. At this time, there is no single cause regarding the etiology of OCD. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions performed on a college athlete for non-operative treatment of OCD. To also look at the non-operative treatment that the patient underwent, and determine if treatment could delay or stop …

Low Back Pain: A Case Study, Samir Maleki

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the U.S., and has many possible causes. Multiple physical therapy interventions, including electrotherapy, traction, and lumbar stabilization exercises such as bridging and planking variations, have been shown to be very effective in reducing LBP. The purpose of this case study is to examine the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and electrotherapy on LBP.

Case Description: The patient was a 43 year-old male, who had been experiencing LBP for the past year. He reported falling off of a truck and landing with his hand tucked into the …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Interventions For The Cervical Spine: A Case Report, Brandon Szklarski

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is currently little evidence available to determine which conservative treatment options are best for management of patients with cervical pain and radiculopathy. The purpose of this case report is to describe a cost-effective, non-operative approach for symptom management-with physical therapy interventions in individuals with cervical neck pain and radiculopathy. The patient's diagnosis was determined by the physical signs and symptoms that were presented, as well as classification of the patient's symptoms with the clinical prediction rules used to identify patients with cervical radiculopathy. The results of the examination were consistent with her primary care physician's referral and diagnostic imaging …

Rehabilitation Following A Distal Fibular Fracture In A 16 Year Old Female Athlete: A Case Report., Brett Morlock

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Distal fibular fractures are an uncommon injury in athletes, they are produced by repetitive stress to the fibula often due to overuse. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the rehabilitation following a distal fibular fracture of a young, female athlete and how the rehabilitation prepared the patient to return to her sports.

Case Description: The patient is 16 year old Caucasian female who participated in both cheerleading and gymnastics. She sustained a left distal fibular fracture while performing a stunt in cheerleading. The patient was referred to physical therapy following six weeks …

Rehabilitation Pre And Post Mpfl Reconstruction Secondary To Mpfl Tear, Kayla Skersick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft tissue structure that withstands forces throughout range of motion (ROM) to prevent the patella from sliding over the lateral femoral condyle and dislocating from the patellar groove. Impaired stabilization and line of pull of the patella can directly affect the patella and the entire kinematic chain during movement. MPFL reconstruction has become the most popular surgical treatment to correct this anomaly when conservative strengthening and biomechanical correcting treatments have failed. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment pre-operative and postoperative MPFL reconstruction, and discusses the …

Multiple Fracture Following Non-Occupational Fall: A Case Report, Brittany Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are prevalent in adults over the age of sixty-five due to lack of balance and decreased lower extremity strength. Non-occupational falls are reported to have an increasing prevalence with age and one-fifth of these types of falls results in hospitalization. The hospitalization of patients who sustain injuries following falls most often results in skeletal fractures. The cost to treat these patients is projected to reach $54.9 billion by the year 2020. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the outcomes of a patient who sustained multiple fractures following a nonoccupational fall.

Case Description …

The Effectiveness Of Traction In A Patient With Recurring Neck Pain: A Case Report, Kassandra Kertz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: According to Hoya et aI, neck pain is a common problem throughout the world, affecting 10.4-21.3% of the population each year. 50-85% of people with a new episode of neck pain will have a recurrence of neck pain 1-5 years later. Mechanical traction is an intervention commonly used to treat neck disorders; however, there is little current research supporting or refuting the effectiveness of the use of mechanical traction for neck pain. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the effectiveness of using mechanical traction in one patient with a recurring incidence of neck, shoulder, …

A Case Report: Diabetic Amputee, Kip H. Thorstenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to present the reader with a detailed description of the physical therapy provided for a diabetic lower extremity amputee. As the number of amputations across America steadily increase, there is an elevated importance of understanding the prevalence, causes, and reasons for amputations and which interventions are most effective in increasing a patient's quality of life.

Case Description: The patient is a 77 year old male with significant past medical history of type I diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. This patient has significant gross muscle weakness in both his …

Distal Femoral Osteotomy With Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A Multifaceted Therapeutic Approach, Mark Laraway

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The surgical procedure known as a distal femoral osteotomy has been shown to be effective in treating valgus deformities of the knee with osteoarthritis in younger, active patients. But with any procedure, unsuspected complications such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can make rehabilitation for the patients and their therapists challenging. This study focuses on taking a multifaceted approach to treating all of the underlying impairments of a patient with recurring knee pathologies and an underlying secondary diagnosis of CRPS.

Case Description: The patient is a 38-year-old female who has had multiple surgeries on her …

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Bppv): A Case Report, Kylie J. Palmiscno

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder. Of the vestibular disorders diagnosed in the general population, BPPV accounts for one third and may be successfully diagnosed and treated by a physical therapist in as little as one visit.

METHODS/CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a single case report of a 36-year-old female who was 5 months pregnant and diagnosed by her physician with vertigo. She was referred to physical therapy for further evaluation and treatment.

FINDINGS/INTERVENTION: With use of the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver the patient's diagnosis was confirmed and specified to be BPPV of the right …

Rehabilitation Of A Patient With A Jones Fracture, Calvin Crawford

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Ankle and foot injuries are common for all age groups, no matter the activity level. Ankle and foot injures can include strains, sprains, and/or fractures in any combination which can be debilitating for ambulation and functional activities. The most common foot fracture is an avulsion of the fifth metatarsal base, also called a Jones fracture, often associated with forced inversion of the foot. Almost all patients will return to their prior ambulatory state with proper care and rehabilitation within 12-16 weeks. The purpose of this scholarly project is to show the rehabilitation of a Jones fracture in …

Maximizing Functional Outcomes In A Patient With A Complete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, Samantha Braegelmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal cord injury is damage sustained to any nervous tissue in the spinal cord that results in loss or decreased motor function or sensation. Every year in the United States there is about 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries with young Caucasian males' most prevalent. The purpose of this scholarly article is to analyze various factors to maximize functional outcomes and determine the proper course of treatment following a spinal cord injury.

Case Description: Patient was a right handed Caucasian female who was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident and sustained a C7-Tl …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Study, Alexandra Jares

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common lower extremity disorders reported, with a higher prevalence among females and in active individuals. While quadriceps strengthening has generally been the chosen treatment approach, some studies have pointed to the importance and influence of the hip musculature. Patients with PFPS commonly present with decreased posterolateral strength, specifically in the hip abductors, hip extensors, and hip external rotators.

Case Description: The patient was a 13-year-old thin-framed female who was referred to physical therapy after dislocating her right patella during a twisting motion in dance class.

Interventions …

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Josh Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy and affects both motor and sensory nerves. Clinical presentation is similar among all types and results in distal muscle atrophy and weakness, diminished sensation and proprioception, and balance and gait disturbances. Pes cavus is a prominent feature. Although gene therapy and neurotrophic growth factors show promise as treatment, physical therapy remains the most viable option at this time. The purpose of this case report is to determine the effect that physical therapy may have on both physical and psychological outcomes related to CMT.

Case Description: Patient was a …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Report, Angela Kumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common injury among young female athletes. It is difficult to determine the primary factor that contributes to its development due to the fact that there are multiple causes. Factors influencing the development of PFPS are increased quadriceps (Q) angle, patella alta, abnormal or excessive foot pronation, quadriceps muscle weakness, diminished flexibility of the hamstrings and rectus femoris muscles, malalignment of the femur, weakness of the hips, static and dynamic skeletal malalignment, and altered neuromuscular recruitment strategies.

Case Description. The patient was a young female collegiate track and cross country …

The Use Of Physical Therapy Evaluation And Treatment To Manage A Patient Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Scott Holm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The knee is a significant structure within the musculoskeletal system, which is used for dynamic and static movement in the environment. Obesity has been found to have significant health implications within all of the body's systems. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of an obese patient following a total knee arthroplasty and gain understanding of the impact that obesity has on functional improvement during postoperative physical therapy care of a total knee replacement.

Case Description: The patient is a 43 year old female, who has undergone a total knee …

Cervical Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Kimberly Dobrovolny

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is currently little evidence to determine which conservative treatment approach is best for the management of patients with cervical radiculopathy; however, there is evidence these patients benefit from a multi-treatment approach. The purpose of this case is to describe the physical therapy management of a patient with cervical radiculopathy. Physical therapy diagnosis was based on the patient’s physical signs and symptoms as well as meeting three of the four criteria of the clinical prediction rule which is used to identify patients with cervical radiculopathy. Results from the examination and evaluation were consistent with the magnetic resonance imaging findings. Physical …

Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy Intervention Following Partial Medial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Alexa Risan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Partial meniscectomy is a very commonly performed surgical procedure and many cases are uncomplicated and successfully treated with home-based exercise programs. However, some patients experience more significant problems following surgery and require rehabilitation services. Research is limited regarding physical therapy (PT) effectiveness in the post-operative management of such complicated cases. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PT treatment of a 34-year-old male with significant impairments and functional limitations following partial medial meniscectomy.

Case Description. Examination and evaluation included ROM/flexibility and strength measurements as well as functional assessment. PT included therapeutic exercise which was aimed …

S/P Right Hip Orif, Brian Bartow

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Hip fracture is a major medical problem among older adults, leading to impaired balance and gait and loss of functional independence. An open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is a method of surgically repairing a fractured bone. Generally, this involves either the use of plates and screws or an intramedullary (IM) rod to stabilize the bone.

Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old female who fractured her right hip while running. She had complained of thigh pain with running for 1 to 2 months prior. She had gamma nail pinning.

Intervention: The focus of treatment was to increase …

Mcl Sprain In Young Athlete: A Case Report, Anna Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This is a case report that looks at the examination, evaluation, and treatment of a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in a high school football player.

Case Description: The patient presented with pain in his left knee one day after playing in a high school football game. It was found that he had a grade II MCL sprain with possible medial meniscal involvement.

Outcomes: The patient was able to fully return to his sport by the end of 8 treatment sessions over the course of 5 weeks. He met all of the goals set by the therapist …

Whiplash And Post-Concussion Syndrome Following Mva, Tyler Wegscheid

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in today’s world affecting individuals of all ages. More specifically, Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) is a major classification of neck pain that is often caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA). The purpose of this case report is to reflect and examine the available evidence relevant to the examination, evaluation, and treatment procedures that were used for a patient following a MVA.

Case Description: The patient was a 52 year old female with COPD that presented with whiplash, post-concussion syndrome, and various soft tissue injuries following a motor …

Conservative Physical Therapy Treatment For Posterolateral Derangement Of The Lumbar Spine: A Case Report, James Muir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The McKenzie approach to the treatment of low back pain has been shown to be an effective tool in reducing disc derangements. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of stabilization exercises in conjunction with McKenzie techniques for the treatment and management of a patient with posterior lumbar disc derangement.

Case Description: A 25-year-old male suffered acute low back pain with intermittent leg pain radiating down to the dorsum of his right foot. After the assessment using McKenzie principles was performed, it was determined that the patient’s directional preference was with extension. The patient …

First Rib Mobilization In The Treatment Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Chad C. Boehm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial clinical entities in medicine. It encompasses three related syndromes: compression of the brachial plexus (neurogenic TOS), compression of the subclavian artery or vein (vascular TOS), and a non-specific or disputed type of TOS.s Neurovascular compression may be observed most commonly in the interscalene triangle, but has also been described in the costoclavicular space and subcoracoid space.6 The purpose of this case study is to further explore the efficacy of manual therapy, specifically mobilization of the 1st rib, to relieve the symptoms of a 43 year old …

Low Back Pain With Psoas Tightness, Trevor Northagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose

Low back pain is a prevalent healthcare issue which has a number of causes. There are many types of treatment with varying levels of success. The psoas is a back muscle which may undergo changes in a patient with back pain. Treatment may have to be modified if changes are seen in the psoas.

Case Description

A 66 year-old woman reported low back and right hip pain, as well as right-sided abdominal pain around a surgical incision. The physical therapy examination revealed adhered scar tissue around the incision, psoas muscle tightness, as well as low back and …

Charcot Foot Ulceration, Katelin Sievert

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case report follows the treatment of a 64 year old male with a Charcot foot ulceration of the right foot. The study was conducted to assess the outcome of wound care to the stage three pressure ulcer and the use of a Total Contact Cast (TCC) in the treatment of the Charcot foot ulceration, as well as to present more awareness to the medical field on Charcot foot pathology and diagnosis. The study was conducted over a 16 week time period. After 15 sessions with the patient, the results showed that wound care, the use of a TCC, and …

Prosthetic Training Following A Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Report, Jonathan Beck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: There has been an increase in amputations since the start of the Iraq/Afghanistan war, but thousands of Americans have a limb amputated each year due to peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or infections. New technology in the field of prosthetics, especially prosthetic knees, has helped improve these individuals’ function. The most recent advancement in prosthetic knees is the C-leg, a micro-processor-controlled knee; however, a wide variety of prosthetic knees are available. Therefore, it is critical to select the right prosthetic knee to meet each individual’s needs and goals.

Case Description: The patient was a 58-year-old gentleman who underwent …

Conservative Management Of An Adult With Chronic Low Back Pain, Crystal Braun

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to describe the conservative management of a male patient with chronic low back pain. This report will provide an insight to the benefits of an individualized treatment program combining therapeutic exercises, the McKenzie Method along with a Lumbar Extension MedX strengthening program.

Case Description: This case study describes the treatment of a 34 year old male computer programmer suffering from low back pain.

Intervention: The patient was treated using directional preference~ segmental stabilization, lumbar extension MedX strengthening, and other physiotherapy exercises. He received treatment twice a week for …

Effects Of A Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis, Renee Aune

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background & Purpose: Adhesive capsulitis is a musculoskeletal condition that has a disabling capability. The physiological changes that occur within the relevant connective tissue drive the intervention for functional improvement. There is often recovery, but it is not known whether a targeted intervention aimed at this type of patient is better than another regarding recovery. The purpose of this case report is to examine the multiple effects of a physical therapy intervention program with emphasis on improved function and quality of life.

Case Description: A single-case study of a 56-year-old female demonstrating the effects of a physical therapy program in …

Skin Care Management In Outpatient Setting Of Lower Extremity Venous Ulcers, Stacy L. Roush

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This report will discuss the treatment options selected during eight weeks of therapy for a patient with chronic venous ulcers (CVUs) located on bilateral lower extremities. Venous ulcers can be very painful and are typically difficult to heal as a result of venous inefficiency. In many instances they inhibit the patient’s lifestyle depending on their location and severity.

Case Description. The patient seen was referred to physical therapy as his wounds had not shown any improvement since they were initially evaluated in April, 2008. Patient has history of lower extremity edema which was controlled by the use …