Background: Unlike low back pain, total knee replacements, and cervical pain that have either clear clinical practice guidelines or typical post-surgery protocols to guide therapy, there is currently no standardized rehabilitation protocol for patients post-nerve transfer procedure. The purpose of this case report is to present an example of the initial post-operative rehabilitation for a patient after nerve transfer surgery. Case Description: The patient was a 30-year-old male who suffered a right brachial plexus injury as a result of a traumatic snowmobile accident. He underwent two nerve transfer procedures involving the suprascapular, axillary, and musculocutaneous nerves. He presented to therapy 41 days after his final nerve transfer surgery. The patient presented with no right shoulder function, strength, or active range of motion. Interventions: Treatment involved a progression from soft tissue work and scar mobilization, to passive range of motion, active-assisted range of motion, and active range exercises in gravity-minimized positions. Outcomes: The patient made large improvements in strength, passive range, and active range. His QuickDASH score improved from 70 to 34. He was also able to return to work, carrying out all job activities independently except for a select few. Discussion: Although there is no standardized rehabilitation protocol for patients post-nerve transfer, this case study shows the benefit of utilizing a progression from passive to active range of motion exercise to help patients regain strength and functional capacity.
Dissertation
The Use of Range of Motion Exercises to Regain Functional Mobility and Strength in a Patient Post-Nerve Transfer Surgery: A Case Study: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2022
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Use of Range of Motion Exercises to Regain Functional Mobility and Strength in a Patient Post-Nerve Transfer Surgery: A Case Study: A Case Report
- Creators
- Haley Keller - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey-Law (Advisor) - University of IowaMichael Petrie (Advisor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2022
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 11 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Haley Keller
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560251602771
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