Calf muscle pump stimulation as an adjunct to orthopaedic surgery

Management of patients following extensive orthopaedic surgery, and in particular, joint replacement surgery, represents a continuing challenge. The associated bed rest burdens a broad range of physiologic functions, exacerbating vascular, venous, and lymphatic conditions, as well as cardiovascular conditions and glucose regulation in the hyperglycemic or diabetic patient. Most of these problems arise from a lack of mobility/exercise during recuperation. In a recent series of clinical studies, non-invasive micromechanical stimulation (MMS) of the plantar surface has been demonstrated to significantly enhance skeletal muscle pump activity in the lower limbs of patients, which results in improved blood and lymphatic flow in the lower body. These studies demonstrate efficacy in both the supine and upright positions, suggesting the potential of MMS technology to significantly improve post-surgical patient care. Moreover, evidence is increasing that sustained skeletal muscle pump activity helps to maintain normal fluid flow in bone tissue, such that MMS may provide a non-drug treatment for maintaining bone mass during bed rest, or possibly increasing bone mass following extended bed rest.