Start Date
24-4-2025 12:00 AM
Description
Background: Tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to correct lower limb malalignment in athletes. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months, with athletes generally resuming sport-specific activities at 4-6 months. Delays in rehabilitation can result in prolonged deficits in strength, range of motion (ROM), and neuromuscular control. Case Presentation: This case study follows a 20-year-old collegiate rugby player who underwent tibial osteotomy, with rehabilitation delayed by one month. The athlete initially presented with knee stiffness, quadriceps atrophy, reduced ROM, and impaired proprioception. A multi-phase rehabilitation program was implemented as follows: •Phase 1 (Weeks 0-6): Pain management, restoring knee extension, and quadriceps activation. •Phase 2 (Weeks 6-12): Emphasized improving ROM, strength, and proprioception. •Phase 3 (Weeks 12-20): Sport-specific conditioning, functional strength, and neuromuscular control. Outcomes: By week 14, the athlete achieved full knee ROM, and quadriceps and hamstring strength reached 90% of the contralateral limb by week 18. The athlete successfully returned to full-contact rugby by 20 weeks post-surgery, without pain or functional limitations. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early, structured rehabilitation in overcoming delays and optimizing recovery for athletes following tibial osteotomy. Further research is needed to establish best practices for managing rehabilitation delays in high-performance athletes.
Recommended Citation
White, Maycee J. and Nolan, Michael J., "Tackling Recovery: Tibial Osteotomy in a 20-Year-Old Rugby Player with One Month of Post-Surgery Setback" (2025). 2025 Student Academic Showcase. 21.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2025/Posters/Posters/21
Included in
Tackling Recovery: Tibial Osteotomy in a 20-Year-Old Rugby Player with One Month of Post-Surgery Setback
Background: Tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to correct lower limb malalignment in athletes. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months, with athletes generally resuming sport-specific activities at 4-6 months. Delays in rehabilitation can result in prolonged deficits in strength, range of motion (ROM), and neuromuscular control. Case Presentation: This case study follows a 20-year-old collegiate rugby player who underwent tibial osteotomy, with rehabilitation delayed by one month. The athlete initially presented with knee stiffness, quadriceps atrophy, reduced ROM, and impaired proprioception. A multi-phase rehabilitation program was implemented as follows: •Phase 1 (Weeks 0-6): Pain management, restoring knee extension, and quadriceps activation. •Phase 2 (Weeks 6-12): Emphasized improving ROM, strength, and proprioception. •Phase 3 (Weeks 12-20): Sport-specific conditioning, functional strength, and neuromuscular control. Outcomes: By week 14, the athlete achieved full knee ROM, and quadriceps and hamstring strength reached 90% of the contralateral limb by week 18. The athlete successfully returned to full-contact rugby by 20 weeks post-surgery, without pain or functional limitations. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early, structured rehabilitation in overcoming delays and optimizing recovery for athletes following tibial osteotomy. Further research is needed to establish best practices for managing rehabilitation delays in high-performance athletes.