Faculty Advisor(s)
Kirsten Buchanan
Document Type
Course Paper
Publication Date
12-2019
Rights
© 2019 Matthew Morris
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The Achilles tendon is the strongest, yet most frequently ruptured, tendon in the body. Hip strength has been associated with various lower extremity (LE) conditions. However, there is a lack of literature regarding hip strengthening and its impact on Achilles injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to describe the rehabilitation of a patient following a left Achilles tendon repair utilizing a comprehensive hip strengthening protocol. Case Description: The patient was a 32-year-old female who ruptured her Achilles playing tennis. She underwent surgical repair three weeks later and was immobilized and non-weightbearing for a total of seven weeks. Manual muscle testing (MMT), range of motion (ROM), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) were used to evaluate progress. Interventions included hip and ankle strengthening, ROM, stretching, manual therapy, balance training, and gait training. Outcomes: The patient attended 18 visits over 11 weeks. Left ankle plantarflexion strength improved from +3/5 to -5/5. Left hip abduction improved from 4/5 to -5/5 and left hip extension improved from +4/5 to -5/5. Left ankle dorsiflexion AROM improved from -20° to 10°. LEFS scores improved from 28/80 to 57/80. FADI scores improved from 37% to 91.3% and ATRS scores improved from 52/100 to 32/100. Discussion: The patient made improvements consistent with existing literature. Utilizing a hip strengthening protocol following Achilles repair may be beneficial, but the full magnitude of the effect of hip strengthening cannot be determined. Future research should focus on the effect of hip strengthening following Achilles repair, as well as the impact of hip weakness on Achilles injuries.
Recommended Citation
Morris, Matthew, "A Hip Strengthening Protocol For A Patient Following Achilles Repair: A Case Report" (2019). Case Report Papers. 108.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrpaper/108
Comments
The case report poster for this paper can be found here:
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/156/