Goal-oriented physiotherapy program in a young patient with traumatic spinal cord injury: A case study

Abstract

SCI (Spinal cord injury) is a strong injury that typically causes paralytic muscles below the level of the lesion, resulting in limited, altered mobility and dependence on others. Injury sustained can be a total or partial injury. Here we present a case report of a 20-year-old male, who came to physiotherapy OPD in October 2021 for physiotherapy, is a case of TSCI (Traumatic Spinal cord injury) and was under rehabilitation since February 2021. He came with complaints of inability to stand unsupported, inability to walk without assistance, and lack of bladder and bowel control. MRI and X-RAY investigations were done. The patient is diagnosed with SCI at D12-L1 Level -Paraplegia. The patient was managed surgically with D12-L1 laminectomy and D11-L3 pedicle screw fixation. This case shows how a TSCI patient with paraplegia shows significant improvement in balancing and functional activities and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Post-Operative Paraplegic Patient: A Case Report

“…As the patient came one year later to take the physiotherapy treatment, it was difficult to gain recovery as early as possible. But as we started giving the treatment, our main focus was on bed mobility activities, transferring activities, and making the patient perform his ADLs [ 8 ]. After two months of treatment, he was able to initiate the movement and he has achieved unsupported sitting.…”

“…Paraplegia, or the paralysis of the entire trunk and both lower extremities, results from damage to the dorso-lumbar region of the spinal column. The lower limb and bowel and bladder may be compromised based on the extent of the impairment, whereas the arm may continue to function correctly [ 8 ].…”

“…In such patients, our main target is focusing on bed mobility training, transferring activities, and making the patient skillful to execute his activities of daily living (ADLs). A task is allotted to the patient, and we teach them how to perform it within a pain-free limit [ 8 ].…”