Abstract
A 23-year-old female patient who was 2 weeks post right periacetabular osteotomy due to acetabular dysplasia was seen in outpatient physical therapy for 20 sessions over a 10-week period. Treatment was provided by a physical therapist student under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with observational gait analysis, observation of neuromuscular control with stabilizing the trunk and pelvis, range of motion testing, manual muscle testing, and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score outcome measure. A plan of care was established to address major gait deviations, severely impaired neuromuscular control with stabilizing the pelvis and trunk, and severely impaired hip range of motion in addition to moderately impaired lower extremity strength and pain severity. Activities of daily living, recreational activities, and work capacity were also addressed. The patient’s goals were to return to all activities at home, ride horses, and work on light duty. Main interventions used were progressive gait training, patient education, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education to address the patient’s impairments to facilitate performance of all activities of daily living and return to work and recreational activities. The patient responded well to physical therapy and demonstrated significant improvements in range of motion, neuromuscular control, lower extremity strength, and gait mechanics. The patient was discharged from outpatient physical therapy with an independent home exercise program.