Effect of Multimodal Physiotherapy on Functional Recovery After Proximal Tibial Fracture: A Case Report

Andini Nurul Fadhilah; Totok Budi Santoso; Lathiifah Muknatun Amiin

doi:10.24843/mifi.000001770

Authors

Andini Nurul Fadhilah Physiotherapy Professional Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Totok Budi Santoso Physiotherapy Professional Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Lathiifah Muknatun Amiin PKU Muhammadiyah Jatinom General Hospital, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000001770

Keywords:

Fraktur Tibia, Fisioterapi, Infra Red, TENS, Range of Motion Exercise, Gait Training, Stretngthening Exercise

Abstract

Background: Proximal tibial fractures commonly lead to pain, reduced range of motion (ROM), muscle weakness, and impaired functional mobility following surgical fixation. Physiotherapy is essential to restore function and prevent postoperative complications.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a multimodal physiotherapy intervention in a patient with a proximal tibial fracture.

Methods: This case report describes a 22-year-old female patient who underwent open reduction internal fixation for a left proximal tibial fracture. Physiotherapy was initiated three months postoperatively and conducted over three weeks (six sessions). The intervention included infrared therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, and gait training. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), goniometric ROM measurement, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

Results: After six sessions, movement pain decreased from 5 to 3 and tenderness from 3 to 1 (NRS). Knee flexion improved from 100° to 120°, while muscle strength increased from MMT grade 3 to 4. Functional ability improved substantially, with LEFS scores increasing from 57.5 to 87.5, indicating clinically meaningful improvement.

Conclusion: Multimodal physiotherapy was associated with improvements in pain, joint mobility, muscle strength, and functional performance in a patient with a proximal tibial fracture. However, the findings are limited by the single-case design and short intervention duration.