A comprehensive rehabilitation of a young individual with post-tuberculosis triple knee deformity: A case report

Abstract

Triple knee deformity is one of the rare clinical conditions seen in patients with tubercular infection of the knee. The sequelae post-tuberculosis (post-TB) affect various systems, causing joint destruction, chronic inflammation, and soft tissue involvement. One of the  post-TB complications is triple knee deformity, characterised by valgus, external rotation, flexion, and subluxation of the knee.  Tuberculosis is an endemic infection majorly affecting individuals in developing countries. The infection affects long bones, and the  common clinical features include cough, loss of appetite, blood in vomit, and others. We present a twelve-year-old boy who was  diagnosed with triple knee deformity, and he was managed with corrective osteotomy followed by physiotherapy. The patient had a  history of TB infection, which was treated with a complete regimen of medications. He showed an improvement in strength and range of  motion following physiotherapy and Ilizarov's fixation to correct the maximum deformity. We concluded that a well-tailored physical  therapy program focusing on maintaining and improving the strength of the knee and hip musculature could help in regaining the  functional independence of an individual and play a significant role in maintaining the activity level of the individuals and prevention of  secondary complication of immobility.