Article

PURPOSE : To investigate the relationship between early functional mobility and
pain intensity in a fast track program after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients operated with TKA in an orthopaedic
unit at a University hospital were prospectively studied. Measurements of
independence in transfer and ambulation (Cumulated Ambulation Score), pain
intensity (Verbal Analog Scale (VAS)), range of knee motion, functional mobility
('Timed Up & Go' (TUG) test), and walking distance were recorded daily from the
first postoperative day until discharge. RESULTS:
On the first postoperative day,
90% of the patients were able to walk independently with median pain intensity of
< or =5 on VAS. Of these, 78% walked > 70 m. All patients walked independently on
postoperative Day 2 with pain intensity of < or =4. On the day of discharge, all
patients walked with crutches with pain intensity of < or =3, walking distance >
70 m, median range of motion 10-80 degrees , and median test time of the 'TUG'
19.2 s. The length of hospital stay was median 3 days. CONCLUSION: Pain has a
limited influence on the functional recovery beyond the first postoperative day
after TKA, thereby allowing early physiotherapy.

Langue : ANGLAIS