Case Report—Physical Therapy After Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Abstract

The primary purpose of rehabilitation is to return the patient to a level of function enabling them to resume activities that are important to them. Physical therapy following total knee replacement has been shown to improve functional outcomes and mobility in these patients. Strength, range of motion and balance are three key components of functional rehabilitation following total knee replacement. The purpose of this report is to describe interventions following knee replacement surgery and compare them with the existing evidence. This report will focus on the outcome of two patients who underwent total knee replacement. Objective outcome measurements were then extrapolated into the “Lower Extremity Functional Scale” to better quantify and qualify functional outcome. Rehabilitation outcomes after total knee replacement surgery have been reported to include knee strength, range of motion, activities of daily living (ADLs), walking and quality of life. Both study patients participated actively with their clinical program as well as modified home programs. This report focused on three patient outcome measures; range of motion, strength and balance. Both patients had favorable outcomes that put them at a functional levels to resume their activities of daily living . The first patient had an earlier and more favorable result compared to the second patient’s outcome. Evidence supports the use of an intense progressive physical therapy program following knee replacement surgery.