603 - Unsighted and Reunited: Blind Man Discharged Home After Traumatic Fall

Case Diagnosis: Right greater trochanteric fracture in blind male secondary to mechanical fall

Case Description: A 66-year-old male with a history of complete blindness presented to the emergency department following a mechanical fall down thirteen steps. Radiographic evaluation revealed a right greater trochanteric fracture, sacral ala fracture, as well as inferior and superior pubic rami fractures. The patient underwent a successful intramedullary nailing procedure to address the right femoral shaft fracture.

Upon admission to the rehabilitation unit, the patient's functional status was assessed. He required a minimum level of assistance for ambulation and transfers, a moderate level of assistance for grooming, and a maximum level of assistance for dressing. Notably, the patient had been living independently at home before the incident.



Discussions: After an intensive eleven-day rehabilitation program, the patient's functional abilities showed remarkable improvement. At the time of discharge, the patient was able to ambulate using a rolling walker with minimal assistance and required only setup assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This significant progress allowed him to return home, albeit at a modified level of independence.

Conclusions: This case underscores the feasibility of achieving community discharge at a modified independent level of function following a greater trochanteric fracture in a patient with complete blindness. The successful rehabilitation and functional gains in this case emphasize the importance of tailored rehabilitation programs and multidisciplinary care in restoring independence and quality of life for unsighted individuals.