Effectiveness of Continuous Passive Motion After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Author Information
Author(s): Lenssen Ton AF, van Steyn Mike JA, Crijns Yvonne HF, Waltjé Eddie MH, Roox George M, Geesink Ruud JT, Brandt Piet A van den, De Bie Rob A
Primary Institution: University Hospital Maastricht
Hypothesis
What is the effect on range of motion and functional status of prolonged use of a continuous passive motion device at home in addition to PT, compared to PT alone, in patients with limited flexion range of motion (less than 80°) of the knee at discharge from the hospital after total knee arthroplasty?
Conclusion
Prolonged use of CPM may have a small short-term effect on range of motion, but it does not lead to long-term benefits or improved functional performance.
Supporting Evidence
- Prolonged use of CPM slightly improved short-term range of motion.
- At six weeks and three months, no long-term effects were detected.
- Functional benefits were not observed at any outcome assessments.
Takeaway
Using a special machine to help move the knee after surgery might help a little at first, but it doesn't really help in the long run.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial comparing two groups: one receiving CPM plus physiotherapy for 17 days post-surgery and the other receiving standard physiotherapy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-management of CPM and variability in treatment content among therapists.
Limitations
The study's conclusions may not apply to different populations or treatment protocols, and the self-management aspect of CPM use may have affected results.
Participant Demographics
Patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty, specifically those with limited range of motion at discharge.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.06
Confidence Interval
-0.2 – 10.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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