Are Computer-Controlled, Pressure Modulated Knee Rehabilitation Machines Valuable Following Knee Arthroplasty?

Background: To determine if a patented new computer controlled, pressure modulated knee rehabilitation machine was more effective, in rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty, than the continuous passive motion machine utilizing Cochrane Review data.

Methods: Prospective study of 197 patients: 59 outpatient rehabilitation facilities; 155 homebased care, and 7 skilled nursing facilities. Patients were prospectively treated with pressure modulated knee rehabilitation and standard rehabilitation for total knee arthroplasty. Range of motion (RoM) was compared (via ANOVA) with the Cochrane continuous passive motion study. We also evaluated RoM outcomes versus start day of pressure modulated knee rehabilitation use.

Findings: Pressure modulated knee rehabilitation patient’s ROM, at 30 days, exceeded 116°; significantly greater than all shortterm (6 weeks) Cochrane Review studies (83°). Patients using the pressure modulated knee rehabilitation six or more days after surgery had a significantly lower 14-day RoM than patients who began on days 1-5 following surgery.

Interpretation: The pressure modulated knee rehabilitation patients increase their RoM following total knee arthroplasty significantly more than continuous passive motion users.

Keywords: Knee Arthroplasty Total; Knee Joint; Rehabilitation; Recovery of Motion; Range of Motion.