Orthopaedic Trauma Case Study
Factors affecting patient return to work
Studies found that patients’ experience of psychological distress which caused by the orthopaedic trauma can be more difficult to manage than their physical health issues (Starr et al. 2004). Psychological distress refers to the unique emotional state of discomfort experienced by an individual in response to a specific stressor or demand, which can harm to that individual and result lower return to work rate (Ridner 2004). Patients with a lower level of psychological distress tend to present a less complicated clinical picture and appear to be less resistant to treatment. (Geisser et al. 1993, McCarthy et al. 2003)
Literature stated that patients with orthopaedic trauma suffer from various levels of …show more content…
After the casting was removed, therapist will fabricate a soft wrist splint for the patient. Patient should worn at night for at least 2 weeks, the purpose of wearing night splint is to prevent injury of the healing site when sleeping . A wrist splint is recommended to wear in day time provide protection to prevent injury and facilitate healing. In the sixth weeks of post surgery, passive and active range of motion exercises for the fingers, wrist and forearm should be initiated to restore patient functional range gradually. Passive and active home exercise program are introduced to the patient, however, specific attention should be placed on wrist extension and supination. No strengthening exercise should be carried out including grip strength exercise. Strengthening activities are not recommended during week 7-8 as the tendons are working on motion. Having to pull the tendons through the scar tissue and swelling with AROM and then doing strengthening could aggravate the tendons. After 9-12 weeks post surgery, patient can off splint accordingly, night splint can still resume. Therapist can initiate grip or pinch strengthening exercise for the client. Wrist strengthening can be included if motion is within functional ranges (wrist flexion and wrist extension should be at 50-55 degree). If PROM is limited for wrist extension or supination/pronation then therapist can consider dynamic splinting. After 12-15
Studies found that patients’ experience of psychological distress which caused by the orthopaedic trauma can be more difficult to manage than their physical health issues (Starr et al. 2004). Psychological distress refers to the unique emotional state of discomfort experienced by an individual in response to a specific stressor or demand, which can harm to that individual and result lower return to work rate (Ridner 2004). Patients with a lower level of psychological distress tend to present a less complicated clinical picture and appear to be less resistant to treatment. (Geisser et al. 1993, McCarthy et al. 2003)
Literature stated that patients with orthopaedic trauma suffer from various levels of …show more content…
After the casting was removed, therapist will fabricate a soft wrist splint for the patient. Patient should worn at night for at least 2 weeks, the purpose of wearing night splint is to prevent injury of the healing site when sleeping . A wrist splint is recommended to wear in day time provide protection to prevent injury and facilitate healing. In the sixth weeks of post surgery, passive and active range of motion exercises for the fingers, wrist and forearm should be initiated to restore patient functional range gradually. Passive and active home exercise program are introduced to the patient, however, specific attention should be placed on wrist extension and supination. No strengthening exercise should be carried out including grip strength exercise. Strengthening activities are not recommended during week 7-8 as the tendons are working on motion. Having to pull the tendons through the scar tissue and swelling with AROM and then doing strengthening could aggravate the tendons. After 9-12 weeks post surgery, patient can off splint accordingly, night splint can still resume. Therapist can initiate grip or pinch strengthening exercise for the client. Wrist strengthening can be included if motion is within functional ranges (wrist flexion and wrist extension should be at 50-55 degree). If PROM is limited for wrist extension or supination/pronation then therapist can consider dynamic splinting. After 12-15