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Joint stiffness after bone plate fixation is a common complication in fracture treatment, mainly due to long-term immobilization of the joint, resulting in adhesion of surrounding soft tissues, joint capsule contracture and muscle atrophy. Rehabilitation treatment should follow the principle of gradual progress and promote the recovery of joint function through multi-dimensional intervention. The specific measures are as follows:
Physical factor therapy
Hot compress and wax therapy: Through the thermal effect, it improves local blood circulation, relieves muscle tension, and softens adhered tissues. It is recommended to take it 1 to 2 times a day, for 15 to 20 minutes each time, with the temperature controlled at 40 to 45 degrees Celsius.
Ultrasound and electrical stimulation: Ultrasound can promote metabolism in deep tissues, and electrical stimulation can enhance muscle contraction. The combined use of the two can accelerate the resolution of inflammation and prevent further muscle atrophy.
2. Joint mobilization surgery
Professional rehabilitation therapists, based on the direction of restricted joint movement, adopt techniques such as separated traction, long-axis traction, and sliding to gradually increase the range of joint movement. The operation should be carried out within a painless or slightly painful range to avoid violent pulling.
3. Active and passive motor training
Active movement: The patient actively performs joint flexion, extension, rotation and other actions. In the early stage, the healthy limb can be used for assistance, and gradually transition to independent completion.
Passive movement: With the assistance of a rehabilitation therapist or family members, joint activities should be carried out, with a focus on breaking through the adhered areas. The range of motion should be gradually increased, but excessive stretching that may cause injury should be avoided.
4. Muscle strength training
Isometric contraction: Perform static muscle contractions in the early stage to enhance muscle strength while avoiding joint movement.
Isotonic contraction: As the range of motion of the joint improves, gradually carry out resistance training, such as using elastic bands or sandbags, to enhance muscle strength and endurance.
5. Traditional Chinese medicine therapy
Acupuncture and massage: Acupuncture can unblock meridians and relieve muscle spasms. Massage relieves adhesions through manipulation and improves the range of motion of joints.
Traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and washing: Use traditional Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, unblock meridians and relieve pain (such as Shenjin Cao, Tonggu Cao, etc.) to fumigate the affected area, promoting local blood circulation and softening adhered tissues.
6. Training in daily living activities
Integrate rehabilitation training into daily life, such as dressing, washing up, going up and down stairs, etc., to enhance the practicality of joint function.
Precautions
Rehabilitation training should be carried out under professional guidance to avoid secondary injuries caused by excessive activity.
If severe pain or swelling occurs during the training, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Regular follow-up examinations are conducted and the rehabilitation plan is adjusted according to the recovery situation.