Orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists differ regarding rehabilitative needs after lower extremity fracture repair.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Little evidence is available to guide physical therapy (PT) following lower extremity fracture repair distal to the hip. As such, variability has been reported in the way PT is utilized post-operatively. Examination of current practice by orthopedic surgeons (OS) and physical therapists is needed to inform clinical practice guidelines in this area.

Objective

To describe current PT referral practices among OS, identify patient and clinical factors that affect PT referral, and examine differences between OS and physical therapists with regard to visit frequency, duration, and use of specific PT interventions.

Methods

Provider surveys.

Results

Surveys were completed by 100 OS and 347 physical therapists. Over half (54%) of OS reported referring "most pa

SUBMITTER: McLaughlin KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9860373 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature