Examples & Case Studies
EXAMPLES & CASE STUDIES
- 2 case studies (upper & lower limb) are included below.
- These are examples intended to illustrate how common musculoskeletal issues may be managed.
- The names and patient details have deliberately been changed to maintain patient confidentiality.
- There are often various options for managing these conditions.
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Patients will have an individualised management plan tailored to their own needs and specific circumstances.
KNEE PAIN
Kate works in a desk job. In her spare time, she enjoys distance running, doing so several times a week during her lunch break.
She has recently signed up for a marathon and increased her running duration and frequency. She has noted increasing pain in her right knee that has not settled with rest or icing it. This is so uncomfortable it stops her from running and lingers on for quite a few hours after the activity.
She attends for a clinic consultation. A detailed history and clinical examination is carried out.
A diagnostic ultrasound scan of her right knee demonstrates abnormality to the iliotibial band, in keeping with iliotibial band friction syndrome (‘runner’s knee’).
Plain films (x-rays) of her knees and hips confirm that there is no significant degenerative change with the bones.
Kate is referred for physiotherapy and taping. She is also advised to stretch and use a foam roller. She attends for several physiotherapy sessions and does note an improvement in pain intensity.
This improvement plateaus after several sessions and she returns to clinic for a planned review. The option of an ultrasound-guided corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection (USGI) is discussed to reduce pain and localised inflammation further, allowing her to progress with her rehabilitation and training.
Kate is given the opportunity to consider her options and decides to proceed with the USGI to the ITB. She is advised to rest for a few days afterwards, then gradually resume her physiotherapy.
Ultimately, she is able to compete in the marathon and posts a decent time. She is advised to continue with the foam rolling, stretches and physiotherapy exercises to ensure that the problem does not recur.
She is also advised to consult a podiatrist for a formal podiatry and gait assessment to see if her running style and footwear can be optimised.
ELBOW PAIN
William is retired and a keen gardener. He is right handed and a social smoker. He enjoys a variety of sports, including tennis, golf and cricket.
He has noted pain to the outer aspect of his right elbow recently. It is also present to his left elbow, but to a much lesser extent. There is no obvious injury that he can think of that might have set this off.
It has recently become so painful that his sleep has been badly affected. As a result, he feels exhausted and low. Painkillers, the use of an elbow brace and periodic rest have not been particularly helpful.
William is assessed in clinic where a history and detailed upper limb examination is undertaken. Lateral epicondylopathy (‘tennis elbow’) is suspected.
This is confirmed by means of a diagnostic ultrasound scan. A tear of the common extensor origin (one of the other possible diagnoses) is also excluded.
He is keen to get this problem resolved. Various treatment options are discussed with him. He decides to go with the combined options of physiotherapy, acupuncture and a series of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) sessions.
Lifestyle factors are also addressed, ensuring that he has an optimal diet and gets enough rest. Smoking can hinder tendon healing and William is advised to stop smoking. He is advised to speak to his GP regarding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other strategies in order to optimise his chances of successfully quitting.
During physiotherapy, it is noted that he tends to grip his gardening tools (and steering wheel when driving) too tightly. There is also significant tightness in his shoulders and neck which is contributing to the issue and manifesting as elbow pain. The grip he uses when playing tennis is suboptimal. This vital information is communicated and discussed between doctor and physiotherapist.
After several weeks of treatment, his pain has settled significantly and his energy levels and mood have lifted too as a result of sleeping better. William is able to function well and returns to gardening and participating in his favourite sports again.
