Physiotherapy in the management of total knee arthroplasty: a review.

BACKGROUND: Although total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered the treatment of choice for patients with intractable pain and substantial functional disabilities who have not had acceptable relief and functional improvement after conservative treatment. It was found out that patients with total knee arthroplasty need physiotherapy intervention for pre-operative and post-operative management.

OBJECTIVES: To take a critical look at the importance of TKA following destruction of the knee joint, its indications and contraindications and to ascertain the current trend involved in the physiotherapy management of TKA.

METHODS: The current literature materials on physiotherapy management of TKA was reviewed.

RESULTS: The aim of treatment is to maximize functionality and independence and to minimize complication such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism by relieving pain using cryotherapy, improving range of motion with mobilization techniques, muscle strengthening, therapeutic exercise, transfer training, gait training and training of activities of daily living. These are administered as home programme or in organized groups led by a physiotherapist and has been shown to improve outcome related to physical activity after knee joint arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that interventions, including physiotherapy and functional exercises after discharge, is still beneficial after TKA.