Article

Continuous passive motion is frequently used post-operatively to
increase knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty in spite of little
conclusive evidence. The aim of this study was to examine whether continuous
passive motion (CPM) as an adjunct to active exercises had any short time effects
(after one week and three months) on pain, range of motion, timed walking and
stair climbing. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of
63 patients undergoing primary TKA were randomly assigned into an experimental
group receiving CPM and active exercises and a control group receiving active
exercises only. Outcomes were assessed by goniometer, visual analogue scale
(VAS), timed 'Up and Go' test (TUG), timed 40 m walking distance and timed stair
climbing. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the treatment
groups for any outcome measures either at one week or after three months. For the
whole group, a significant and 50% reduction in pain score was found after three
months (p < 0.01). Compared with before surgery, a significantly impaired knee
flexion range of motion (p < 0.01) and a significantly decreased number of
patients able to climb stairs were found after three months (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: CPM was not found to have an additional short-time effect compared
with active physiotherapy. After three months considerable pain relief was
obtained for the whole group, the patients preoperative ROM was not restored and
the number of patients able to climb stairs had decreased.

Langue : ANGLAIS