PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT IN POST-ORIF CASES OF SINISTRA TIBIA PLATEAU FRACTURE USING TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION AND EXERCISE THERAPY MODALITIES AT BANDUNG KIWARI REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Tibial plateau fracture is an injury caused by direct trauma, such as a traffic accident, which causes functional impairment in the lower leg. Physiotherapy plays an important role after Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) to reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, muscle strength, and functional activities. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and exercise therapy in patients with post-ORIF left tibial plateau fractures. The intervention was carried out in eight sessions at Bandung Kiwari Regional Hospital using TENS for 10–15 minutes along with ankle pumping, hold-relax, passive stretching, and progressive strengthening exercises. Evaluation used VAS, goniometer, MMT, leg circumference measurement with Medline measuring tool, and WOMAC scale. The results showed a decrease in pain (VAS) from still 2 to 0, pressure 7 to 2, movement 6 to 2. Flexion increased from 110° to 132°, extension from 5° to 0°. Muscle strength increased from 3 to 5, edema decreased at the 0 cm point from 39 cm to 38 cm, at the 5 cm point from 38.5 cm to 36 cm, and at the 10 cm point from 34.5 cm to 33 cm. The WOMAC score decreased from 65 (severe category) to 23 (mild category). TENS and exercise therapy modalities were proven to be effective in accelerating functional recovery in patients with post-ORIF tibial plateau fractures.