Our Summary

This research paper discusses the results of a new rehabilitation strategy for patients who have had a partial knee replacement. The new approach was to delay the bending of the knee after surgery. The study included 669 patients who had this type of surgery between September 2016 and February 2018. The researchers found that patients were able to leave the hospital sooner, reducing their stay from an average of 2.6 days to 1.2 days. After six weeks, the average range of motion was 110 degrees, which is a good result. Furthermore, 90% of the patients who were discharged on the same day as their surgery reported being very satisfied with their results. This new rehabilitation strategy, which also included physical therapists working late shifts and a consistent message and education for patients, was found to be safe, effective, and resulted in high patient satisfaction.

FAQs

  1. What is the new rehabilitation strategy for partial knee replacement patients discussed in this research paper?
  2. What were the results of delaying the bending of the knee after partial knee replacement surgery?
  3. How did the new rehabilitation strategy impact the length of hospital stay and patient satisfaction?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement to follow their rehabilitation plan closely, including exercises and physical therapy, to help improve range of motion and strength in the knee. It is important to stay active and continue with recommended exercises to ensure a successful recovery and optimal function of the knee joint. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the knee can help to prolong the lifespan of the replacement joint.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery include those who have severe knee pain that is not relieved by other treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections. Other factors that may indicate the need for knee replacement surgery include:

  • Severe arthritis or joint damage that restricts mobility and daily activities
  • Significant joint deformity
  • Chronic inflammation or swelling in the knee joint
  • Inability to bend or straighten the knee
  • Failure to achieve satisfactory results from other treatments
  • Age (typically over 50 years old)

It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if knee replacement surgery is the best option for their individual situation. The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery should be made based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies.

Timeline

Before knee replacement:

  1. Patient experiences chronic knee pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  2. Consultation with orthopedic surgeon to discuss options for treatment.
  3. Pre-operative evaluations and tests are performed to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes knee replacement surgery, either partial or total, under general anesthesia.
  5. Post-operative pain management and physical therapy begin immediately after surgery.

After knee replacement:

  1. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and initial rehabilitation.
  2. Physical therapy continues in the hospital to help the patient regain strength and mobility.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues physical therapy at home or in an outpatient facility.
  4. Over the next few weeks and months, patient gradually increases activity level and range of motion in the knee.
  5. By six weeks post-surgery, patient typically achieves a good range of motion and begins to resume normal activities.
  6. Patient continues with physical therapy and follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any issues.
  7. Patient experiences reduced knee pain, improved mobility, and overall better quality of life compared to before the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain management?

  3. What type of physical therapy or rehabilitation program will I need after surgery?

  4. How soon will I be able to return to my normal activities, such as walking, driving, and exercising?

  5. What type of implant will be used for my knee replacement and how long can I expect it to last?

  6. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should be aware of after surgery?

  7. What are the success rates of knee replacement surgery and what is the likelihood of needing revision surgery in the future?

  8. Will I need any assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, during the recovery process?

  9. How often will I need to follow up with my surgeon after the surgery?

  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for knee replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Jenkins C, Jackson W, Bottomley N, Price A, Murray D, Barker K. Journal: Physiotherapy. 2019 Mar;105(1):46-52. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.305. Epub 2018 Nov 26. PMID: 30704751