Abstracts Category : Other

Outpatient physical therapy for an adolescent following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

by Chelsea Whitaker

A patient was seen for physical therapy (PT) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. The patient was seen for 14 sessions over two months at an outpatient PT clinic. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, the Numeric Pain Scale Rating, Sharpened Romberg stance test, single leg stance test, the Wells Criteria for deep vein thrombosis, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, observation of gait, the Pedi-IKDC measure, and patient report of participation. Based upon this evaluation a plan of care was established. The main goals for the patient were to improve knee range of motion, improve balance, decrease pain, improve gait, improve functional activities of the lower extremities, and improve participation in sport activity and activities of daily living. The main interventions utilized in this course of care included range of motion exercises, joint mobilization, balance exercises, modalities for pain, strengthening exercises, whole body vibration, gait training, and a home exercise plan.The patient made improvements in range of motion, balance, pain intensity, gait parameters, lower extremity functional activities, and participation in sport activities and activities of daily living. The patient was transferred to the care of another physical therapist to continue PT until she met the goals to return to her regular sport of competitive dancing.Advisors/Committee Members: Barakatt, Edward.