Physiotherapy Management After Debridement for Right Ankle Bone Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Osteoarticular tuberculosis of the ankle is uncommon and may cause pain, restricted range of motion (ROM), muscle weakness, and functional limitations. Physiotherapy may help address these postoperative impairments following surgical debridement.
Objective: To describe physiotherapy management and short-term clinical changes following debridement for right ankle bone tuberculosis.
Methods: This case report involved a 26-year-old man with right ankle bone tuberculosis who had undergone internal fixation, debridement, and fixation removal. Physiotherapy was provided in six sessions between April 15 and May 22, 2026. Interventions included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, passive and active ROM exercises, blood flow restriction with quadriceps setting, and strengthening exercises. Pain, ankle ROM, muscle strength, lower limb circumference, and scar characteristics were assessed before and after intervention using the Visual Analogue Scale, goniometry, Manual Muscle Testing, and Vancouver Scar Scale.
Results: Pain during movement and palpation decreased from 6/10 to 4/10, while resting pain decreased from 3/10 to 1/10. Ankle ROM increased across all measured movements. Hip and knee muscle strength improved from 3/5 to 4/5, while ankle strength remained 3/5. The Vancouver Scar Scale score decreased from 9 to 4.
Conclusion: Six physiotherapy sessions were accompanied by reduced pain, improved ankle ROM, increased hip and knee muscle strength, and improved scar characteristics. These observations are descriptive and cannot establish treatment effectiveness or causality.