Effect of Physiotherapy Regimen on Static & Dynamic Balance and Foot Function in Non-operative Lover’s Fracture: A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Lover's fracture," also known as a "Don Juan fracture" or "Casanova fracture" refers to a fracture of the calcaneus (heel bone), often caused by a fall from a height, and is named for the historical trope of a suitor jumping from a window to escape a jealous spouse. Over time, calcaneal burst fractures have been referred to as Lover’s fractures because the injury occurred when a suitor jumped off a lover's balcony to avoid detection. One of the seven tarsal bones is the calcaneus. Case Description: The subject of this case study is a 65-year-old woman who lived on Goner Road in Jaipur and suffered a calcaneal fracture, also known as a lover's fracture, three months ago after falling down stairs. Because of her age-related surgical risk profile and the fact that there was little displacement, the injury was treated conservatively. Particularly in older persons, Lover's fracture, which is frequently caused by axial strain to the heel, has a major impact on postural stability and foot biomechanics. The patient complained of localised oedema, ongoing mild to moderate heel pain, and trouble standing and walking for extended periods of time at the time of the physiotherapy referral. Intervention: A structured physiotherapy program, progressive strengthening, balance training and intrinsic foot muscles strengthening exercise. was provided over a 6-week period (intervention plus follow-up). Outcomes: Over the program, improved static balance remained negative, foot posture index improved from 6 (near-normal), reflecting 33% improvements toward neutral alignment. Functional reach test at baseline improved to 33.78% cm (low risk fall) at day 42, representing 51.5% improvements. Cumberland ankle instability tool score 24/30 (functional stability), a 41.2% improvement of 7 points. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: In this single case, a patient with non-operatively treated Lover's fractures can greatly benefit from a systematic, progressive physiotherapy program in terms of their static and dynamic balance, foot function, and ankle stability. Over the course of six weeks, the intervention, which included progressive balance training and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, produced clinically significant gains in functional reach, static and dynamic balance, foot function, and ankle stability.