Does Multimodal Therapy Influence Functional Outcome After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Effectiveness of the transitional care model in total knee arthroplasty patients: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

This study has aimed to assess the effectiveness of the transitional care model (TCM) on functional status, perceived self-efficacy and healthcare utilization in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHOD

This randomized controlled study was conducted between February and November 2021 in a public hospital. The study randomly assigned patients to either a 6-week 'TCM' program or usual care. The sample size was n = 70, with each group comprising 35 individuals. Patient outcomes, including self-efficacy, functional status and healthcare service readmission rates, were monitored for TKA patients.

RESULTS

Nursing care based on the 'TCM' was found to enhance functional status and increase the level of self-efficacy among TKA patients, leading to a decrease in healthcare service readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study recommends preparing patients and their families for the preoperative and postoperative processes. It emphasizes the importance of providing necessary training and consultancy services under the leadership of orthopaedic nurses responsible for TKA patient care, guided by the principles of TCM.

Effects of Electromyographic Biofeedback on Functional Recovery of Patients Two Months after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The incidence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is steadily increasing worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient rehabilitation protocols and investigate the innovations in medical technology, which could improve rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of adding electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) to the conventional program of rehabilitation after TKA on quality of life, intensity of pain, and functional performance. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 131 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 67; median age 70 (IQR 10)), and a control group (n = 64; median age 69 (IQR 9)). Both groups participated in an inpatient program of 21 days of rehabilitation, including land-based and aquatic exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and education. In the experimental group, a portion of land-based exercise therapy was supplemented by EMG-BF. A numeric rating scale (NRS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), use of mobility aids, 30 s chair stand test (CST), and timed up and go (TUG) test were used to measure outcomes. Both groups improved their functional abilities from day 1 to day 21 of rehabilitation. A higher proportion of participants did not use a walking aid (p < 0.002), and their NRS, KOOS, 30 s CST and TUG scores improved (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in the outcomes. EMG-BF did not provide additional benefits to the conventional rehabilitation after TKA.