Pre-Conditioning and Post-Operative Photobiomodulation Therapy by a Novel Light Patch System for Knee Arthroplasty: A...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgery for osteoarthritis, yet post-operative pain and swelling can impede recovery.
• Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) presents a potential non-invasive approach to manage these common post-surgical challenges.
• A novel self-adhesive light patch system offers a feasible method for delivering PBMT in a clinical setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of using PBMT before and after TKA surgery.
• To assess PBMT's potential in mitigating post-operative pain and swelling.
• To explore PBMT's role in improving patient recovery following TKA.

Main Methods:

• An interventional clinical feasibility study protocol involving patients on a surgical waitlist.
• Pre-operative PBMT application for 30 minutes daily for 7 days using a novel light patch system (450 nm and 640 nm microdiodes).
• Post-operative PBMT application twice daily for 1 week after compression bandage removal.

Main Results:

• The study protocol outlines comprehensive outcome measures including pain scales, functional tests (stair climb, chair stand, timed up and go, walk test), assistance scales, muscle strength, range of motion, and patient-reported outcomes (KOOS, LLFI).
• Evaluation points span from pre-operation baseline to 6 weeks post-hospital discharge.
• Feasibility of using the novel light patch system for PBMT delivery will be assessed.

Conclusions:

• This feasibility study will provide critical insights into the application of PBMT for managing pain and swelling in TKA patients.
• Findings will inform the design and methodology of future large-scale clinical trials investigating PBMT's impact on TKA recovery.
• The study aims to establish PBMT as a viable adjunct therapy for enhancing post-TKA rehabilitation.