title: Postoperative treatment and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: Total arthroplasty is the primary surgical method used in patients with extensive deformations of the knee joint in the course of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Good outcome after arthroplasty depends on the proper identification of indications, good surgical technique, and the proper postoperative treatment and rehabilitation. In postoperative treatment appropriate conditions should be provided for healing of the damaged tissues and prevention of early and late complications. The aim of rehabilitation is to restore mobility in the highest possible range and full muscular control of the operated knee, i.e. to rebuild correct static and dynamic function of the joint and the entire lower limb. This study present a model of postoperative management and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty based on current literature and clinical experience from 597 arthroplasties performed in 530 patients between the years 1995 and 2002.
authors.affiliation: Oddział II i Ośrodek Chirurgii Kolana i Artroskopii, Wojewódzki Szpital Chirurgii Urazowej.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Widuchowski
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Widuchowski
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reszka