Continuous passive joint motion following total knee replacement: 48 cases analysis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early rehabilitation following total knee replacement has arisen more attention. The aim of continuous passive joint motion is to recover knee function, prevent anchylosis, accelerate blood and synovia circulation, therefore, enhance tissue repair. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of continuous passive joint motion following total knee replacement. METHODS: Totally 48 patients, who underwent artificial total knee arthroplasty at the Department of Orthopedics, Center Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai Ruikang Hospital Group and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 309~(th) Hospital of Chinese PLA between December 2007 and October 2009 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups, with 24 cases in each group. The isometric contraction of qudraceps muscles, combined with physical agent assistant, was performed prior to total knee replacement. Patients in the experimental group was received continuous passive joint motion training at day 2 after operation, with 5°-10°increasing per day. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional methods. The knee functional score, and visual analog scale (VAS) was performed to evaluate knee functions and pains, in addition, perimeter between two legs; and range of motion were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The knee functional score, VAS, perimeter between two legs, and range of motion were similar prior to and after total knee replacement (P > 0.05). Compared to the control group, the knee functional score of the experimental group was dramatically increased at days 3 and weeks 2 after operation (P < 0.01), the VAS and perimeter between two legs were significantly declined (P < 0.01), the range of motion was obvious improved after replacement, with greater excellent rate (P < 0.01). There was no deep venous thrombosis or infections. The results demonstrated that early rehabilitation following knee replacement is conductive to easing pain, eliminating swelling, and enhancing knee stability.