Patient Information: Female, Age 64
Diagnosis: Cellulitis / Venous Insufficiency Ulcer / DJD Bilateral Knees
History:
This woman was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services following hospitalization due to cellulitis of her left lower leg. Thirty years ago, she fell and injured her left ankle and developed a venous insufficiency ulcer, which has never fully healed and recently has gotten worse due to the cellulitis. Prior to her hospitalization, she required maximal (> 75%) assistance from her husband for activities of daily living (dressing and bathing) and transfers due to a prior stroke and bilateral knee degenerative joint disease causing knee pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Pre-Therapy Status:
Left Ankle Wound Characteristics:
•Wound Mesurement: 18.0 cm x 17 cm x 0.3 cm (length x width x depth).
•Wound Volume: 91.8 cm3.
Therapy Information:
•Biophysical Agent/Advanced Technology: OmniSWD® Shortwave Diathermy System and OmniCycle® Elite Motorized Therapeutic Exercise System.
•Frequency: 5x per week.
•Protocol: Subthermal shortwave diathermy to left lateral ankle to increase circulation and promote tissue healing. OmniCycle® lower extremity neuro mode to improve leg range of motion and strength.
•Duration: Sixteen weeks.
•Other Therapy Services Provided: Bed mobility, transfer training, and therapeutic exercise.
Outcome:
Left Ankle Wound Characteristics:
•Wound Measurement: 2.5 cm x 1.0 cm x 0.2 cm (length x width x depth).
•Wound Volume: Reduced by greater than 99%.
This woman and her family are thrilled about her accomplishments in therapy! She credits the diathermy with accelerating the healing rate of her ankle wound and the OmniCycle® with improving her leg strength to assist with transfers and standing activities. She plans to return home soon with her husband.