Efficacy of Physiotherapist after Total Knee Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The range of motion (ROM) of the knee and the satisfaction rate after total knee arthroplasty are the most important factors when evaluating the result of an operation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ROM and the functional outcome of these patients increase after joint exercise that is performed by special physiotherapists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 cases of 120 patients, who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty for osteoarthritis between August 2006 and May 2008, were enrolled in this study. These cases were randomly divided into 3 groups. Only CPM (continuous passive movement) and MSE (muscle strengthening exercise) were performed after KTA in the first group. In the second group, pROME was performed by physical therapists in our rehabilitation institution during the hospital stay, as well as CPM and MSE. CPM, MSE and pROME were performed by special physiotherapists during the hospital stay and also in the outpatient department after being discharged from the hospital in the third group. We compared the results of these groups. RESULTS: The range of motion was not increased among the groups. On the other hand, the third group showed a significantly higher functional outcome, as compared to that of the first and second groups. Conclusion: Although the range of motion of the knee joint was not increased enough to achieve statistical significance, the functional outcome showed significant increases with the pROME performed by physiotherapists. This result demonstrates that the knee exercises performed by special physiotherapists are useful and they can yield good outcomes in patients who underwent TKA.