title: Physical health problems experienced in the early postoperative recovery period following total knee replacement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The length of stay in hospital following total knee replacement is markedly shortened due to fast-track programmes. Patients have to be responsible for their recovery at a very early stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of physical health problems and the level of exercising in the early recovery period after discharge from hospital following total knee replacement.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire. A total of 86 patients were included following first-time elective total knee replacement. Descriptive statistics were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the patients experienced leg oedema (90.7%). Secondary to this were pain (81.4%), sleeping disorders (47.7%) problems with appetite (38.4%) and bowel function (34.9%) were the most frequently identified physical health problems. In total, 69.8% of the patients indicated that they did not exercise or only partly exercise as recommended, but without associated experience of pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients experienced a wide range of physical health problems following total knee replacement and deviation from recommended self-training was identified. These findings are valuable for health professionals in regard to improve treatment as well as patient education and information.
authors: Orthopaedic Department, Gentofte University Hospital, Denmark. Electronic address: kirsten.szoets@regionh.dk.
authors: Kirsten
authors: K
authors: Szöts
authors: Centre for Clinical Guidelines, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark.
authors: Preben U
authors: PU
authors: Pedersen
authors: University College Sealand, Denmark.
authors: Britta
authors: B
authors: Hørdam
authors: Abdominal Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Clinical Health Promotion Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden.
authors: Thordis
authors: T
authors: Thomsen
authors: Research Unit, Gentofte University Hospital, Denmark.
authors: Hanne
authors: H
authors: Konradsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Physical health problems; Post-surgery; Total knee replacement