[Function recovery in patients with knee arthroplasty: role of proprioceptive rehabilitation]. / Il recupero funzionale del ginocchio artroprotesizzato: ruolo dell'allenamento propriocettivo.

This study evaluates the outcome of proprioceptive rehabilitation in 18 patients who underwent knee joint prosthetic replacement using the dynamic electronic plate Pro-kin_machine. The proprioceptive performance was determined by having the patients trace a set of three outlines (horizontal, vertical and circular) using the foot of the operated limb. The measures of outcome parameters were: 1) time taken to do the test; 2) score of accuracy of the test measured in percentage. Tests were performed on admission, half way through rehabilitation and on discharge. Each patient had 15 sittings of physiotherapy. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement of both parameters at the end of the treatment. After prosthetic knee joint replacement, not only is it important to re-establish mechanical stability but also dynamic stability. The latter can be achieved through active virtual taping by the stabilizer muscles. Prompt management of instability of the joint in the rehabilitation phase is extremely important in the re-activating of the control mechanisms that are compromised by the surgical operation.