Musculoskeletal Challenges in a Post-Pneumonectomy Patient with Severe Pneumonia-A Case Report

Abstract

Santhosh Kumar Tumkur Narayanappa

Prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) admissions are frequently associated with significant musculoskeletal complications including muscle wasting, joint stiffness, and impaired mobility. These issues become particularly challenging in patients with severe respiratory illness requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. We present the case of a female patient with a history of right pneumonectomy who developed left-sided community-acquired pneumonia complicated by type I respiratory failure and repeated episodes of respiratory arrest. The patient required prolonged mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, and intensive multidisciplinary care. During the ICU course, prevention of musculoskeletal complications such as ICU-acquired weakness, joint contractures, and functional decline became a key aspect of management. Early physiotherapy, positioning strategies, and gradual mobilization were incorporated into the treatment plan following respiratory stabilization. This case highlights the importance of orthopaedic and rehabilitation perspectives in the management of critically ill patients, emphasizing the role of early mobilization and musculoskeletal preservation in improving long-term functional outcomes.

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