Rehabilitation following repair of a torn latissimus dorsi tendon.
OBJECTIVE
This report describes the rehabilitation of a patient following surgical repair of a torn latissimus dorsi tendon. The scientific rationale for the treatment progression is discussed.


METHODS
A 35-year-old man with a ruptured latissimus dorsi tendon 6 weeks following surgical repair was referred for physical therapy to recover range of motion and strength sufficient for return to work as a police officer on the SWAT team. A review of tendon healing in animal studies is presented and related to the development of the plan of care for this patient.


RESULTS
Latissimus dorsi muscle isometric force generation on the injured side was 92% of that of the uninjured side. The patient returned to work as a SWAT team member.


CONCLUSIONS
No detailed reports of postoperative latissimus dorsi tendon rehabilitation are available. The program for this patient was based on research demonstrating the timeline for recovery of tensile strength in healing tendons. This approach can direct rehabilitation following repair of other tendons, especially in uncommon injuries where specific guidelines have not been developed.
Burks
Robert
R
School of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. rburks@usc.edu
Burke
Wendy
W
Stevanovic
Milan
M
D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012421:Rupture / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome