Effectiveness of Postoperative Physiotherapy Compared to Postoperative Instructions by Treating Specialist Only in Patients With an Ankle Fracture: A Systematic Review

Foot and Ankle Curricular Guidelines in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: How Are We Doing?

INTRODUCTION

The Foot and Ankle Curricular Guidelines for Physical Therapist Professional Degree Programs (FACG) provided recommendations regarding essential entry-level content and skills. Eight years later, the extent of its implementation is unknown. This study characterizes entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs' foot and ankle curriculum with reference to the FACG.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Curricular guidelines offer recommendations to professional degree programs striving for excellence. Review and revisions of guidelines are important to keep pace with and reflect evolving evidence and practice.

SUBJECTS

One faculty member from 116 of 250 DPT programs participated (46.6% response rate). Participants were an average of 50.8 years old and taught a mean of 14.5 years.

METHODS

A cross-sectional 25-item online survey assessed foot and ankle contact hours, coverage of FACG recommended content, coverage of surgical procedures, and the use of FACG for curricular assessment, modification, and development.

RESULTS

Foot and ankle content was covered in physical therapy curriculum for a mean of 48.2 hours (range 12-120 hours). Eleven of the 25 recommended diagnoses, 29 of the 49 examination skills, 6 of the 7 intervention skills, and 3 of the 14 surgical procedures were covered by most (≥90%) of the programs. Reported use of FACG for curricular processes averaged 50.1-51.5 (0-100 numerical scale).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Across a wide range of contact hours, coverage of FACG recommended content was approximately 57% (46/81 recommended elements in ≥90% of programs). Although not specifically recommended by FACG, surgical procedures were less commonly covered by programs. Study findings question FACG implementation and may reflect differences across programs in depth and breadth of content. Identified curricular gaps may warrant addressing in future guidelines.

Physiotherapy Management Focusing on Early Mobilisation in Complex Pelvic and Pott's Fracture

Pelvic fractures (PFs), involving the disruption of the bony structures in the pelvic region, are complex injuries often associated with high-energy trauma. Such fractures can significantly impact a patient's mobility and overall quality of life. Concurrently, fractures of the malleoli, specifically the lateral and medial aspects of the ankle, are common lower extremity injuries that can result from various mechanisms, including twisting or direct trauma. This case report presents the multidisciplinary approach employed in the successful treatment of a 26-year-old male patient with a rare combination of PFs involving both anterior and posterior columns, along with lateral and medial malleolus fractures. The patient underwent a series of surgical interventions to stabilise the fractures, followed by a tailored physiotherapy management plan. The report discusses the postoperative care strategies and the crucial role of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation process.