Does intervention improve the outcomes of patients after total knee replacement surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a one to one intervention by a nurse on the outcomes of patients undergoing Total Knee Replacement (TNR) surgery.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used with 60 participants, half of which received a one to one intervention including education and exercise training by a nurse prior to surgery. Follow up was at two and four weeks post-surgery to assess pain, knee function using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Rating Sheet and activities of daily living measured on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). ANOVA tests were used to compare significant differences between groups.

RESULTS: The intervention group had less pain at two and four weeks, p = 0.00, and better knee function at four weeks, p = 0.026. Activities of daily living were better for the intervention group at both two and four weeks, p = 0.002 and 0.048.

CONCLUSION: The one to one intervention provided by a nurse before TKR surgery was instrumental in decreasing pain, improving knee function and enhancing activities of daily living.