Early Physiotherapy as an Adjunct to Surgical Approach in Case of Chronic Tibial Osteomyelitis Treated with Sequestrectomy and an Ilizarov Ring Fixator in a 14-Year-Old Schoolgirl: A Case Report

Osteomyelitis is an infectious disease of the bone and bone marrow caused by pyogenic organisms that may be acute or chronic. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent complications like limb deformity and limb length discrepancies. A 14-year-old girl presented to the orthopedic department with complaints of pain, fever, swelling, tenderness, and pus discharge across the right leg below the knee. Previously, she visited a local hospital where after initial investigations, she underwent saucerization followed by antibiotic bead application. After experiencing no improvements, she came to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. After investigations, she was confirmed to have chronic right tibial osteomyelitis, after which she underwent sequestrectomy with an Ilizarov Fixator application. After three months, she started experiencing pain over the right leg, discharge from the wound site, on and off fever, and difficulty walking, for which she was again admitted to this hospital. She was primarily managed by dressing and medication and subsequently received physiotherapy intervention with proper rehabilitation protocol which was found to be very effective in achieving functional mobility and independence. This case study concludes that a multidisciplinary team involving a definitive surgical approach and physiotherapy rehabilitation protocol which resulted in improved functional mobility and independent ambulation for the patient, which plays a significant role in a fast and successful recovery.