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Exoskeleton Robot Training in Two Patients with an Electrical Burn and Septic Arthritis: A Case Report
Seung Yeol Lee1, Cheong Hoon Seo2, Yoon Soo Cho2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
Summary
Robot training improved gait function, muscle strength, and reduced pain in patients with septic arthritis (SA) after electrical burns. This novel approach enhanced mobility without adverse joint effects, offering a promising rehabilitation strategy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Burn Care
Background:
- Septic arthritis (SA) following burns is rare but can lead to severe joint destruction if treatment is delayed.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible joint damage in burn patients.
- Robot-assisted therapy shows potential for improving range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and function in musculoskeletal conditions and burns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of robot-assisted training in a patient with lower extremity electrical burns complicated by septic arthritis.
- To assess the impact of robot training on gait function, muscle strength, pain, and joint ROM in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- Two participants with lower extremity electrical burns and SA, experiencing pain and functional limitations, underwent rehabilitation.
- The training protocol involved 8 weeks of robot-assisted therapy using Rebless® (passive/active knee and ankle flexion/extension with visual feedback) combined with conventional therapy, 5 days/week for 30 minutes each.
- Outcome measures included gait function, muscle strength, pain scores, and joint ROM.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated significant improvements in gait function, muscle strength, and reduced pain scores post-training.
- No adverse effects on joint range of motion or complications such as soft tissue contractures were observed.
- The study highlights the positive impact of robot training on functional recovery.
Conclusions:
- Robot-assisted therapy, using Rebless®, is effective in improving gait, strength, and pain in patients with burn-related septic arthritis.
- This approach offers a safe and beneficial rehabilitation option, showing positive effects without causing joint complications.
- This is the first report demonstrating the successful application of robot training in this unique patient cohort.
