NOvEL APPLICATION OF LOWER BODy POSITIvE-PRESSURE IN THE REHABILITATION OF AN INDIvIDUAL WITH MULTIPLE LOWER ExTREMITy FRACTURES

rent methods of partial weight-bearing may cause excessive loads through the lower extremity. a new rehabilitation tool that uses lower body positive-pressure is described, that may allow partial weight-bearing while preventing excessive loads, thereby improving functional outcomes. Methods: a patient with multiple lower extremity fractures underwent a 6-month rehabilitation programme using bodyweight support technology 3 times per week, post-surgery. Results: the patient experienced a reduction in pain and an improvement in ankle range of motion (p = 0.002), walking speed (p > 0.05) and physical function (p = 0.004), as assessed by the Foot and ankle Module of the american academy of orthopaedic surgeons Lower Limb outcomes assessment Instrument. t raining did not appear to affect fracture healing, as was evident on radiograph. the effect of lower body positive-pressure on effusion, which has not previously been reported in the literature, was also investigated. No significant difference in effusion of the foot and ankle when using lower body positive-pressure was found. Conclusion: Initial results suggest that this new technology may be a useful rehabilitation tool that allows partial weightbearing during the treatment of lower extremity injuries.