Rehabilitation training plan after bone plate fixation

Rehabilitation training plan after bone plate fixation

Bone plate fixation is a common method for treating fractures. Postoperative rehabilitation training is crucial for restoring joint function and preventing complications. The following rehabilitation training plan is designed based on the stage of fracture healing and individual differences of patients, and should be carried out under the guidance of professional doctors or rehabilitation therapists.

First, the early rehabilitation stage (0-6 weeks after surgery)

Objective: Control swelling, relieve pain, maintain joint range of motion, and prevent muscle atrophy.

Principle: Focus on passive activities and avoid active exertion or carrying heavy loads.

Pain and swelling management

Ice application: Within 48 hours after the operation, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes each time, 3 to 4 times a day, to reduce swelling.

Elevate the affected limb: above the level of the heart to promote venous return.

Gentle massage: With the doctor’s permission, gently massage the non-surgical area to relieve muscle tension.

Joint range of motion training

Passive movement: With the help of a doctor or therapist, move the joints slowly to avoid aggravating the pain.

Example: Upper limb fractures can lead to passive flexion, extension and rotation of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Lower extremity fractures can enable passive movement of the hip, knee and ankle joints.

Active assistance activities: Use others or equipment (such as suspension belts) to assist joint movement and gradually increase the range of motion.

Isometric muscle contraction training

Method: Contract and relax the muscles while the joints are not moving.

When the quadriceps are contracted isometric (for lower limb fractures), tense the muscles on the front of the thigh, hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat this process several times a day.

Function: Promote blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy.

Second, the mid-term rehabilitation stage (6-12 weeks after the operation)

Objective: Increase joint range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and gradually restore weight-bearing capacity.

Principle: Focus on active activities and gradually increase the load.

Joint range of motion training

Active activities: Within the tolerable range of pain, actively perform joint flexion, extension, rotation and other movements.

Auxiliary tools: Use elastic bands, pulleys and other equipment to increase movement resistance and improve joint flexibility.

Muscle strength training

Progressive resistance training: Start with low resistance and gradually increase the training intensity.

Example: Use dumbbells, sandbags, etc. for upper limb muscle training; Use elastic bands for lower limb muscle training.

Closed-chain exercises: such as wall squats (for lower limb fractures) and push-ups (for upper limb fractures), enhance joint stability.

Weight-bearing training

Partial weight-bearing: Depending on the healing of the fracture, with the doctor’s permission, use crutches or a walking aid to walk with partial weight-bearing.

Gradually increase the weight: Start with 25% of your body weight and increase by 10%-15% each week until you are fully loaded.

Third, the later rehabilitation stage (after 12 weeks after the operation)

Objective: To fully restore joint function, enhance muscle strength, and restore the ability to perform daily activities.

Principle: Functional training is the main focus, with emphasis on balance and coordination.

Functional training

Daily life activity training: such as going up and down stairs, dressing, washing up, etc., simulating daily life scenarios to enhance self-care ability.

Specialized sports training: According to the patient’s needs, specialized training such as running, jumping and swimming is carried out to restore motor function.

Balance and coordination training

Stand on one leg: Stand on one leg on a stable surface and gradually increase the time.

Balance board training: Use a balance board for dynamic balance training to enhance joint stability.

Muscle strength and endurance training

High-intensity interval training: Combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises to enhance muscle strength and endurance.

Core muscle group training: such as plank, supine leg raises, etc., to enhance the stability of the trunk.

Fourth, precautions for rehabilitation training

Individualized principle: The rehabilitation plan should be adjusted according to the type of fracture, fixation method, patient’s age and physical condition.

Gradual progress: Avoid carrying heavy loads too early or overtraining to prevent secondary injuries.

Pain management: If pain intensifies during training, stop immediately and consult a doctor.

Regular follow-up: Evaluate the healing of fractures through examinations such as X-rays and CT scans, and adjust the rehabilitation plan in a timely manner.

Fifth, Common Problems and Responses

Joint stiffness: Enhance joint range of motion training and, if necessary, undergo physical therapy (such as ultrasound or wax therapy).

Muscle atrophy: Increase the intensity of muscle strength training and supplement nutrients such as protein.

Psychological disorders: Some patients experience anxiety due to pain or restricted movement and require psychological counseling.

Sixth, the long-term goals of rehabilitation training

Restore joint function: Bring the range of motion, strength and stability of the joint close to the preoperative level.

Prevent complications such as osteoporosis, deep vein thrombosis, joint stiffness, etc.

Improve the quality of life: Return to daily life, work and exercise.

Summary: Rehabilitation training after bone plate fixation is a systematic and long-term process, and personalized plans need to be formulated based on the specific conditions of the patients. In the early stage, passive activities and isometric muscle contractions are the main focus. In the middle stage, active activities and weight-bearing are gradually increased. In the later stage, emphasis is placed on functional recovery and balance and coordination training. Patients should maintain a positive attitude, strictly follow the doctor’s advice, and have regular check-ups to ensure the recovery effect.