ABSTRACT
To understand why rehabilitation is different from many other clinical specialties, it is helpful to consider the problems that can beset any patient with long-term illhealth aside from the original problem. A previously fit and healthy young man who is recovering following operative fixation of a traumatic pelvic fracture is susceptible to the
consequences of immobility – deep vein thrombosis, loss of muscle mass, flexibility and balance, malnourishment or even excess weight gain. He may become anxious or depressed as a consequence of the shock of the incident and other injuries may be unmasked, such as a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament or a traumatic brain injury. Relationships with family and friends may be profoundly affected. He will need to move around even if he cannot walk, and later he will need to return to work. Irrespective of the direct treatment of the fracture, this patient’s condition will be immeasurably better if all of these issues can be predicted, identified and addressed.
