Question

A 7-year-old child has suffered a stable fracture at the T12 vertebra and has been bedridden for over 100 days. The child is unable to move and experiences discomfort and a feeling of pain in the waist. The doctor recommends rehabilitation training and seeks professional guidance.

Answer

Given the symptoms and condition, the symptoms are likely due to the fracture at the T12 vertebra. Recommendations are as follows:

  • Early recovery training (1 to 2 weeks post-injury): During this phase, with swelling, pain, and a fracture that is not yet stable, the main goal is to improve blood flow to the affected limb, reduce swelling, and stabilize the fracture. Muscle isometric contraction training should be performed to prevent muscle atrophy or adhesions. Except for the joints above and below the fracture site, other parts of the body should be moved normally.
  • Middle recovery training (2 weeks post-injury to bone callus formation): At this time, swelling has subsided and pain has been reduced, and the fracture begins to solidify. In addition to continuing muscle contraction training, passive joint movements can gradually be restored under the guidance of a physical therapist and gradually transition from passive to active movements to prevent a decrease in joint range of motion. When conditions permit, it is advisable to get out of bed early for full-body exercise and combine physical therapy to achieve the effects of reducing swelling and promoting bone callus formation.
  • Late recovery training (after bone callus formation): At this point, bone callus has formed, and it can be seen on X-rays. There is some support from the bones. However, there may be functional impairments such as decreased joint range of motion and muscle atrophy. The goal of training at this stage is to fully restore the range of motion of the affected joint and strengthen muscle strength so that limb function can be restored. The focus of training is on joint movements and muscle strengthening.