Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation: Case Report
Location
LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans
Event Website
https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/admin/sahpresearchday.aspx
Document Type
Event
Start Date
8-4-2024 3:00 PM
End Date
8-4-2024 5:00 PM
Description
Background: Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States that affects daily
life. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects over 32.5 million US adults. A total
knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most performed surgery conducted on the lower extremity.
Purpose: The objective of this case report is to describe evidence-based practices regarding the
rehabilitation and interventions utilized to facilitate the return to functional independence of a 77-year-old
that underwent a total knee arthroplasty.
Methods: The patient in this case report is a 77-year-old female that presented to outpatient physical
therapy two days post right TKA. Her sessions consisted of various interventions that targeted strength,
endurance, mobility, and function. A Five Times Sit to Stand test and FOTO questionnaire were used as
outcome measures, and range of motion, girth, balance, and functional mobility were assessed prior to
therapy (2 days post-op) and at the end of data collection (6 weeks post-op).
Results: At 6 weeks post-op, the patient’s knee flexion was 123 degrees and extension was 0 degrees.
Her right knee joint line girth decreased half an inch along with the amount of gait deviations. Her
functional mobility improved, and her FOTO score increased 48 points.
Discussion: The interventions utilized have been researched and evaluated and have been strongly and
moderately recommended based on the established clinical practice guidelines for post-op TKA
rehabilitation. Future research should focus on evaluating the most optimal exercises to focus on with
EMG studies.
Recommended Citation
Haynes, Peyton, "Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation: Case Report" (2024). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 15.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/15
Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation: Case Report
LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans
Background: Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States that affects daily
life. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects over 32.5 million US adults. A total
knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most performed surgery conducted on the lower extremity.
Purpose: The objective of this case report is to describe evidence-based practices regarding the
rehabilitation and interventions utilized to facilitate the return to functional independence of a 77-year-old
that underwent a total knee arthroplasty.
Methods: The patient in this case report is a 77-year-old female that presented to outpatient physical
therapy two days post right TKA. Her sessions consisted of various interventions that targeted strength,
endurance, mobility, and function. A Five Times Sit to Stand test and FOTO questionnaire were used as
outcome measures, and range of motion, girth, balance, and functional mobility were assessed prior to
therapy (2 days post-op) and at the end of data collection (6 weeks post-op).
Results: At 6 weeks post-op, the patient’s knee flexion was 123 degrees and extension was 0 degrees.
Her right knee joint line girth decreased half an inch along with the amount of gait deviations. Her
functional mobility improved, and her FOTO score increased 48 points.
Discussion: The interventions utilized have been researched and evaluated and have been strongly and
moderately recommended based on the established clinical practice guidelines for post-op TKA
rehabilitation. Future research should focus on evaluating the most optimal exercises to focus on with
EMG studies.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/15