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In 2008 we reported on a study looking at post-
operative rehabilitation [1]. The aim of this
study was to investigate whether a standard
course of outpatient physiotherapy improves
the range of knee motion after primary total
knee arthroplasty. One hundred and fifty
patients were randomly assigned into one of
2 groups. One group received outpatient
physiotherapy for 6 weeks (
group A
). Another
received no outpatient physiotherapy (
groupB
).
Range of knee motion was measured
preoperatively and at 1-year review. Validated
knee scores and an SF-12 health questionnaire
were also recorded.
There was no statistical difference in range of
motion between the two groups at one year. No
difference either was noted in any of the
outcomemeasures used. For example outpatient
physiotherapy did not improve the ability to
walk further nor did it decrease the necessity
for walking aids.
Rehabilitation or self-
rehabilitation
D. Beverland
Fig. Age Group Primary Knees - Age breakdown of my last 5,000 knee arthroplasties