Tibial Plateau Fracture in a Young Patient | Improving Strength | Part 1

Here is a 7-year-old who fractured her left tibial plateau in a waterslide accident. She lost considerable strength, stability, and confidence in her leg due to being in a cast for 6 weeks. Her progress has improved significantly with dance, playground activities, and bicycle riding. However, she has struggled to regain full strength and dynamic stability in her left leg. With observation, her preferred position for the left knee in standing is genu recurvatum (slight hyperextension). This pattern is also present when fatigued during mid-stance phases while walking and running. These exercises are highly beneficial with a VERY light load (12 lbs / 5.45 kg) to improve her strength and dynamic stability for the left leg. She can see her knee position for most of the movement. This allows her to avoid a valgus/varus position for the knee. Within two treatment sessions, she has better eccentric control of her quadriceps and improved proprioception. While the exercise technique is not 100% perfect now, this is a safe exercise for her with appropriate observation, coaching, and progression. In another 4 to 6 weeks, any sign of weakness and dysfunction in the left leg should be gone. You do not want to procrastinate with an injured child and face the consequences of pain and decreased function when they are a teenager or adult. Address the issue of weakness and poor proprioception now. FIX THE PROBLEM NOW! ✅ No individual should ever be left unsupervised ✅ Age-appropriate exercises ✅Age-appropriate exercise load ✅ Age-appropriate exercise volume 🔹Move Better 🔹Feel Better 🔹Live Better Evolve Physical Therapy Sherwood 20510 SW Roy Rogers Rd. Suite 120 Sherwood, OR. 97140 P: (971) 213-3335 F: (971) 213-3389 Evolve Physical Therapy Bethany 18215 NW West Union Rd, Suite B Portland, OR 97229 P: (971) 979-0797 F: (971) 979-0997 [email protected] To schedule an appointment https://ptevolve.com/request-an-appoi... https://ptevolve.com Instagram: @evolve_a4l and @evolve_a4l_bethany Facebook: @evolve.a4l and @evolve.a4l.bethany Twitter: @evolve_a4l Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. STOP exercising if you experience any symptoms of weakness, unsteadiness, light-headedness/dizziness, chest pain or pressure, nausea, or shortness of breath. Performing these exercises should not cause pain. If you experience pain while exercising, decrease the speed of your movement. If the pain persists - STOP. Mild soreness after exercising may be experienced after beginning a new exercise.