My Hand, My Survival: Rehabilitating the Hand for Optimal Function

Abstract

Background: Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away with surgery to stop further complications. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old man presented with acute compartment syndrome of the right upper limb. He underwent fasciotomy, and physiotherapy management started immediately after the surgery. The treatment plan aimed to address pain, preserve muscle function, prevent complications post-fasciotomy, preserve range of motion, strengthen affected muscles, and restore function. The treatment involved a combination of therapeutic interventions and treatment plans and was carried out over a period of 3.5 months. The treatment approach involved passive movements, free active exercises, isometric contraction, assisted active exercises, massage therapy, cryotherapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and scar massage. Throughout the treatment period, the patient's progress was closely monitored, and adjustments were made to the treatment plan as needed. By the end of 12th week, there had been a noticeable improvement in the affected upper limb's UEFI-15 score and gross muscle power. Conclusions: Pain management, muscle function preservation, and limb function restoration were all achieved successfully with physiotherapy management. The successful outcomes seen in this case study highlight the benefit of early diagnosis and prompt intervention of compartment syndrome, as well as a team-based, all-inclusive approach to care that includes physiotherapists, medical experts, and other members of the healthcare team.