Effects of continuous passive motion following Austin bunionectomy. A prospective review

Thirty-nine patients suffering from hallux valgus deformity were randomized into one of two treatment groups following a corrective Austin procedure. One group received physical therapy only (n = 18), and the other group received physical therapy and continuous passive motion (n = 21). Continuous passive motion was initiated immediately after surgery and patients were instructed to use continuous passive motion for 8 hr a day for 24 days. On the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 60th, and 90th days, range of motion, return to conventional shoes, use of oral analgesics, and complication rate were measured. The group using continuous passive motion had greater range of motion at each postoperative visit compared with the group who used physical therapy only (P < 0.05). The group who used physical therapy only took longer to return to conventional shoes and to cease oral medication than the group who used continuous passive motion (P < 0.01). The use of continuous passive motion as an adjunct to physical therapy following an Austin procedure expedites the rehabilitation time and increases the rate of return to functional range of motion.