Advanced Ankle and Foot Rehabilitation

Presented by Jeffrey Fernandez

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Video Runtime: 40 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 61 Minutes

Injuries to the ankle and foot are common in the pediatric population. The lack of skeletal maturity in younger children predisposes them to injuries different from those of an adult. These pediatric-specific conditions, as well as common examination techniques, will be reviewed, after which a framework for treatment will be discussed. Once the identified impairments have been addressed, determination of readiness for the pediatric patient to return to activity/sport will be discussed. This course seeks to increase the knowledge base and clinical reasoning of clinicians who treat pediatric patients with orthopedic conditions pertaining to the ankle and foot.

Meet your instructor

Jeffrey Fernandez

Jeffrey Fernandez is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. Following graduation from Florida International University with a doctorate in physical therapy in 2013, Jeffrey completed an orthopedic residency at the University of Florida. In…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Introduction

1. Introduction

Changes in shape and alignment are observable in the ankle/foot throughout childhood. These changes may influence gait and balance. This section seeks to identify some characteristics of the pediatric ankle/foot as well as compare these characteristics with those of an adult.

Pathologies

2. Pathologies

Orthopedic injuries to the ankle/foot complex of children are a common reason for referral to rehabilitation. Pathologies to the ankle/foot complex of a pediatric patient will be described, including those unique to skeletally immature children.

Examination

3. Examination

A thorough examination helps in the establishment of a baseline and assessment of efficacy for a given intervention. This chapter will review examination techniques to assess joint effusion, as well as important structures to palpate for tenderness, range of motion, strength, balance, and different coordination patterns.

Interventions for the Pediatric Patient

4. Interventions for the Pediatric Patient

Following the examination, selection of an appropriate intervention is necessary. This chapter will present a framework for interventions to address impairments identified in the examination for the ankle/foot complex. Some of interventions discussed include bracing, posting, joint mobilization, and therapeutic exercises.

Return-to-Sport Decision-Making Following an Injury

5. Return-to-Sport Decision-Making Following an Injury

How does a clinician determine a patient is ready to return to sport following an ankle/foot injury? This section will discuss how one can select the appropriate return-to-sport tests and will review different tests that have been reported in the literature.