Utilization of a pneumatic exoskeleton after total knee arthroplasty

Exoskeletons are wearable, powered devices intended to support and augment limb function. With the aging population and increasing demand for total knee arthroplasty, exoskeletons could prove a valuable tool for regaining function and minimizing the number of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities. However, the safety of these devices in postoperative populations remains unexplored. A lightweight pneumatic device was piloted on three patients after primary total knee arthroplasty. The patients were asked to perform simple locomotive tasks followed by a questionnaire to assess their experience and safety using the exoskeleton. All patients indicated the exoskeleton did not interfere with their wound and made them feel stable on their feet, and two of the three patients stated it was manageable and safe to operate. This report pilots the general safety of a pneumatic exoskeleton, laying the groundwork for larger and more comprehensive studies.