Total hip and knee replacement treatment programs: a report using consensus

Physical therapists may use varied treatment protocols for the acute care of patients with to hip or knee replacements. The purpose of this study was to develop, via consensus, a standardized treatment program for patients receiving total hip or knee replacement for primary osteoarthritis. Eighteen clinicians nationwide participated in a three-round consensus process. In Round 1, over 80% of the panel identified exercise, transfers, ambulation, and discharge criteria as the important treatment categories. In Round 2, they reviewed the preliminary physical therapy treatment program and recommended additional exercise regimes. In Round 3, 76% of the panel accepted the final total hip replacement program while 70% of the panel accepted the total knee replacement program. Using the consensus development process, physical therapists may begin to define their treatment programs which is fundamental to establishing a baseline standard of care.