Patient Information: Female, Age 70

Diagnosis: Left Femur Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) / Pain

History: This woman was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services following hospitalization due to a fall at home resulting in a left femur fracture requiring surgical repair. Prior to her fall, she lived in a 2-story home with her husband and was independent with walking and all activities of daily living.

Pre-Therapy Status:
•Left Hip Pain: Severe (8/10), requiring pain medication and affecting her ability to sleep.
•Left Leg Strength: Poor plus (2+/5).
•Bed Mobility: Moderate (50 - 75%) assistance.
•Transfers: Maximal (>75%) assistance and limited adherence to toe-touch weight bearing status.
•Ambulation: Five feet using a rolling walker with maximal (>75%) assistance and limited adherence to toe-touch weight bearing status.

Therapy Information:
•Modality: OmniVersa^® Multi-Modality System.
•Frequency: 3x per week.
•Protocol Specifics: Interferential current (IFC) sensory electrical stimulation to the left hip to treat pain for three sessions which was discontinued after she reported pain no longer limited her mobility.
•Duration: One and a half weeks.
•Other Therapy Services Provided: Gait training, transfer training, balance exercise, and therapeutic exercise.

Outcome:
•Left Hip Pain: Mild (2-3/10).
•Left Leg Strength: Good minus (4-/5).
•Bed Mobility: Independent.
•Transfers: Supervision with occasional verbal instruction for safety and maintaining weight bearing status.
•Ambulation: 15 feet with minimal (25%) assistance, due to toe-touch weight bearing status.

This woman is thrilled with her achievements in therapy and reports the electrical stimulation helped with her pain so much that she “doesn’t need that anymore.” The therapist reports the reduction in pain was what she needed to progress her functional mobility toward independence, allowing her to return home with her husband.