Exoskeleton Robot Training in Two Patients with an Electrical Burn and Septic Arthritis: A Case Report.

Abstract

Septic arthritis (SA) is rare in patients with burns, but delayed treatment can result in irreversible joint destruction. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are necessary to prevent joint destruction. Robot training in patients with musculoskeletal diseases and burns can improve joint range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and lower extremity function. The aim of this report is to present robot training utility in patients with lower extremity electrical burns and associated SA. Rebless (H-Robotics, Korea) for ROM and strength training can operate in passive or active modes in knee or ankle flexion and extension. Rebless works by providing visual feedback on angles during flexion and extension training. Two participants, diagnosed with SA after burns and unable to walk before training because of joint pain, limited ROM, and muscle weakness, underwent 30 min of robot training using Rebless with 30-min conventional therapy, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. After training, the gait function, muscle strength, and pain scores of the participants improved without adverse effects on joint ROM. This report is the first to demonstrate that robot training has a positive effect on gait function, pain, muscle strength with no soft tissue contractures, or other complications in a patient with burn injury and SA.