Authors: Magdalena Rodica Trăistaru1, Diana Kamal2, Kamal Constantin Kamal3,
Dragoș Ovidiu Alexandru4, Mirela Radu
Affiliation
1Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
2Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Sama Medical Center, Craiova, Romania
3Department of Family Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
4Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
Abstract
Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) – a progressive and incurable joint disease – is the most prevalent form of arthritis and is a leading cause of disability, a problem that becomes more pronounced with age. Like in the entire medical world, in Romania, knee arthroplasty is the most commonly performed joint replacement procedure for advanced stages of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Aims. In the present study, we aim to highlight the role of a supervised and complete rehabilitation program (inpatient and home-based) in the recovery of the clinical and functional status of advanced stage KOA patients who underwent elective TKA. Probably, the judiciously chosen parameters of physical exercise will permit to perform the kinetic program in healthcare, regardless of location, for this type of patients.
Methods. The study was a randomized controlled trial including two groups of patients (SG-study group and CG-control group), homogeneous in terms of biographical, clinical and functional features. All patients were completely assessed – clinically, by imaging and functionally.
Results. Clinical and functional parameters had a significantly modification (knee ROM, total WOMAC scale, stiffness and functional WOMAC subscales) in patients who underwent the complex rehabilitation program.
Conclusions. A combination of exercise, physical rehabilitation measures and properly selected pharmacological treatment will greatly help the management of these patients. The significant improvement in perception of balance confidence is welcome in controlling movement and gait in KOA patients with a well-fixed and well-aligned TKA.
Key words: knee arthroplasty, kinetic training, rehabilitation program
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