Treatment of leg edema and wounds in a patient with severe musculoskeletal injuries.
This case report describes the application of a technique for the treatment of leg edema and wounds resulting from a severe distal tibiofibular fracture. Following injury and numerous fracture- and wound-related surgeries in the first year postinjury, this patient developed leg edema, required daily treatment of 2 leg wounds, and was unable to wear a shoe due to foot swelling. He was referred to the physical therapy clinic 1 year postinjury for ankle rehabilitation and to diminish the leg edema. Therapy consisting of manual lymph drainage, compressive bandaging, exercise, and skin care was provided for 7 weeks. A compression stocking was issued near the end of treatment, which the patient continued to wear daily thereafter. At the time of discharge from therapy, the leg edema had decreased 74% and the wound area of both wounds had decreased 89%. Improvements continued following discharge. By 10 weeks after the start of treatment, edema had decreased 80.9%, one wound had healed, and the second wound was 93% improved. The patient was able to wear a shoe and resume recreational activities. This case report provides insight into a treatment that may shorten rehabilitation and control the cost of caring for injuries complicated by prolonged edema.
Cox Regional Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Springfield, MO 65807, USA.
J M
JM
Weiss
D001458:Bandages; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing