No need for outpatient physiotherapy following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized trial of 120 patients.
BACKGROUND
We have not found any reports on the effect of physiotherapy after knee replacement.


METHODS
In a prospective randomized controlled trial, we randomized two groups to receive or not receive outpatient physiotherapy following total knee arthroplasty. 120 patients were recruited over 2 years, each followed up for 1 year. Inclusion criteria were age between 55-90 years, less than 40 degrees of fixed flexion contracture and the ability to walk at least 10 meters unaided preoperatively with monoarticular arthrosis.


RESULTS
We found no statistically significant benefit of outpatient physiotherapy at any of the three times measured. After adjusting for baseline differences between the two treatment groups, the mean difference in knee flexion 1 year postoperatively was only 2.9 degrees. This mean difference is of no clinical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
We concluded that in a preselected group of patients following primary total knee arthroplasty, inpatient physiotherapy with good instructions and a well-structured home exercise regime can dispense with the need for outpatient physiotherapy.
Rajan
Rohan A
RA
Lincoln County Hospital NHS Trust, Greetwell Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK. rohanrajan20@hotmail.com
Pack
Yousif
Y
Jackson
Hayley
H
Gillies
Clare
C
Asirvatham
Rajan
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors