A comprehensive joint replacement program for total knee arthroplasty: a descriptive study
2008

Comprehensive Joint Replacement Program for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Sample size: 74 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jon R Cook, Meghan Warren, Kathleen J Ganley, Paul Prefontaine, Jack Wylie

Primary Institution: Verde Valley Medical Center

Hypothesis

The comprehensive Joint Replacement Program (JRP) will minimize complications and optimize patient-centered outcomes for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Conclusion

The comprehensive JRP for TKA was associated with satisfactory clinical outcomes, short lengths of stay, a high percentage of patients discharged home with outpatient physical therapy, and minimal complications.

Supporting Evidence

  • All patients achieved medical criteria for hospital discharge.
  • 88% of patients achieved the knee flexion ROM goal of 90°.
  • 53% of patients had a hospital stay of 2 days.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special program for knee surgery helps patients recover quickly and safely, with fewer problems after surgery.

Methodology

The study involved 74 candidates for primary TKA enrolled in a comprehensive program that included pre-operative education, pain management, and aggressive physical therapy.

Limitations

The study was descriptive and lacked a control group, making it difficult to isolate the effects of individual components of the program.

Participant Demographics

The average age of participants was 71.4 years, with 62% female, and 45% categorized as obese.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-9-154

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication