Case Study – Rehabilitation of a Tibial Plateau Fracture Following ORIF and the Integration of BFR Training
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Background: Tibial plateau fractures often require surgical fixation and prolonged periods of restricted weight bearing, which can lead to muscle atrophy, weakness, and impaired functional mobility. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a potential adjunct to rehabilitation because it allows low-load resistance exercise to stimulate muscular adaptations while minimizing joint stress. However, limited literature exists regarding its application following tibial plateau fracture.
Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitation of a patient following tibial plateau fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation and to examine the integration of BFR training alongside progressive strengthening during recovery.
Case Description: The patient was a 34-year-old physically active male who sustained a lateral tibial plateau fracture during a recreational sporting activity and underwent surgical fixation. After approximately ten weeks of non-weight bearing and early home-based therapy, the patient initiated outpatient physical therapy presenting with lower extremity weakness, limb asymmetry, and functional limitations. Rehabilitation consisted of progressive strengthening, BFR-assisted low-load resistance training, neuromuscular re-education, and mobility interventions.
Outcomes: Over the course of treatment, knee range of motion improved, circumferential girth measurements demonstrated improved limb symmetry, and manual muscle testing showed near normalization of knee strength. Instrumented dynamometry demonstrated a reduction in initial strength asymmetry of to near-symmetric values. Discussion: The patient demonstrated meaningful improvements during a rehabilitation program incorporating BFR and progressive strengthening. Further research is needed to clarify the role of BFR in postop
Recommended Citation
McManus, Tyler, "Case Study – Rehabilitation of a Tibial Plateau Fracture Following ORIF and the Integration of BFR Training" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 40.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/40
Case Study – Rehabilitation of a Tibial Plateau Fracture Following ORIF and the Integration of BFR Training
Background: Tibial plateau fractures often require surgical fixation and prolonged periods of restricted weight bearing, which can lead to muscle atrophy, weakness, and impaired functional mobility. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a potential adjunct to rehabilitation because it allows low-load resistance exercise to stimulate muscular adaptations while minimizing joint stress. However, limited literature exists regarding its application following tibial plateau fracture.
Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitation of a patient following tibial plateau fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation and to examine the integration of BFR training alongside progressive strengthening during recovery.
Case Description: The patient was a 34-year-old physically active male who sustained a lateral tibial plateau fracture during a recreational sporting activity and underwent surgical fixation. After approximately ten weeks of non-weight bearing and early home-based therapy, the patient initiated outpatient physical therapy presenting with lower extremity weakness, limb asymmetry, and functional limitations. Rehabilitation consisted of progressive strengthening, BFR-assisted low-load resistance training, neuromuscular re-education, and mobility interventions.
Outcomes: Over the course of treatment, knee range of motion improved, circumferential girth measurements demonstrated improved limb symmetry, and manual muscle testing showed near normalization of knee strength. Instrumented dynamometry demonstrated a reduction in initial strength asymmetry of to near-symmetric values. Discussion: The patient demonstrated meaningful improvements during a rehabilitation program incorporating BFR and progressive strengthening. Further research is needed to clarify the role of BFR in postop