Squatting following total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore function and alleviate pain.
• Achieving optimal range of motion (ROM) post-TKA is crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.
• Current rehabilitation protocols vary, necessitating research into effective post-operative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of alternate flexion and extension splinting versus continuous passive motion (CPM) in restoring full ROM after TKA.
• To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of TKA patients undergoing different post-operative rehabilitation regimens.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 68 TKA patients, divided into two groups (34 each): alternate flexion/extension splinting and CPM.
• Postoperative ROM was measured at an average of 3.5 years.
• Functional outcomes, including the ability to squat, were assessed.

Main Results:

• The alternate flexion and extension splinting group achieved significantly greater postoperative ROM (135.1° ± 11.9°) compared to the CPM group (120.0° ± 19.7°) (p < 0.01).
• Squatting was possible in 45.6% of patients in the alternate splinting group.
• Osteoarthritic knees showed significantly greater ROM than rheumatoid knees (131.8° ± 12.3° vs. 121.9° ± 22.4°, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Alternate flexion and extension splinting is an effective method for restoring full range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.
• This splinting technique demonstrates superior outcomes compared to continuous passive motion for ROM recovery.
• Further research may explore patient-specific factors influencing ROM outcomes post-TKA.