Article

The aim of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with rehabilitation
after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fifty-six patients, aged 45-77 years, were
enrolled in a post-TKA comprehensive therapy program focusing on knee
strengthening and functional activities. The program lasted 3 months and was
conducted for 1 h, twice a day, 5 days per week. Pain scores, number of steps
climbed (STp), and maximum walked distance (MWD) were determined before the
operation and 3 months after cessation of the rehabilitation program. In
addition, knee-flexion range of motion (ROM) was measured before the surgery and
immediately, 2 weeks and 3 months after the surgery. Pain decreased whereas MWD
and STp increased at 3 months postoperation. In addition, the magnitude of
improvement in STp correlated positively with the magnitude of change in MWD and
pain. There was a significant increase in knee-flexion ROM at 2 weeks and 3
months postoperation compared with preoperation. The patient age also correlated
positively with the magnitude of improvement in knee-flexion ROM after 2 weeks
and 3 months of therapy. Improvements in MWD and STp were greater and pain was
less, among the satisfied patients compared with unsatisfied ones. The results of
this study further confirm the importance of therapy for osteoarthritis patients
after TKA. In addition, as older patients are less conditioned, they seem to be
more inclined to improvement in functionality with rehabilitation. Satisfied
patients seem to achieve larger improvements in functional capacity and pain
measures.

Langue : ANGLAIS