Our Summary

This research paper looked at the effectiveness of a treatment called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for patients who have undergone total knee replacement surgery. MLD is a type of gentle massage that helps stimulate the flow of lymph fluids around the body. The researchers were interested in seeing if MLD could help reduce swelling, pain, and improve movement in the knee after surgery.

To conduct their study, they looked at seven previous studies (randomized controlled trials or RCTs) involving 285 patients who had undergone this type of surgery. They compared the results of patients who had received MLD to those who had received other types of physiotherapy.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the range of movement in the knee, the amount of swelling, or the level of pain experienced by patients who had MLD compared to those who did not.

Therefore, based on the studies they examined, the researchers concluded that MLD is not recommended as a rehabilitation treatment for patients after total knee replacement surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and how does it relate to knee replacement surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the effectiveness of MLD for patients who have undergone total knee replacement surgery?
  3. How does MLD compare to other types of physiotherapy in terms of reducing swelling, pain, and improving movement in the knee after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement is to follow the recommended rehabilitation program provided by your healthcare team. This may include exercises, physical therapy, and other treatments to help improve mobility and strength in your knee. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee pain and stiffness that limits their daily activities, have failed to see improvement with other treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections, have significant joint damage from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, and have a willingness to commit to the post-operative rehabilitation process.

Timeline

Before knee replacement surgery, a patient may experience chronic knee pain, limited mobility, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty performing daily activities. They may have tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, injections, and lifestyle modifications without success.

After knee replacement surgery, a patient typically goes through a recovery process that includes pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. In the immediate post-operative period, the patient may experience pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Over time, they gradually regain strength, flexibility, and function in the knee.

In the months following knee replacement surgery, the patient continues to work with their healthcare team to monitor their progress, adjust their treatment plan as needed, and ensure proper healing. Ultimately, the goal of knee replacement surgery is to improve the patient’s quality of life, reduce pain, and restore mobility in the affected knee.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) a common treatment option for patients after knee replacement surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of MLD for reducing swelling, pain, and improving movement in the knee?
  3. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with MLD after knee replacement surgery?
  4. How does MLD compare to other types of physiotherapy in terms of effectiveness for post-surgical rehabilitation?
  5. Are there any specific factors that would make me a good candidate for MLD after knee replacement surgery?
  6. How many sessions of MLD would be recommended for optimal results?
  7. Are there any specific exercises or activities that should be avoided in conjunction with MLD after knee replacement surgery?
  8. How soon after surgery can MLD be started, and how long should it be continued for?
  9. Will MLD be covered by insurance, or will there be any out-of-pocket costs for this treatment?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may be more effective for post-surgical rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lu H, Shao Q, Li W, Li F, Xiong W, Li K, Feng W. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Jan 2;25(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-07153-8. PMID: 38167036