Post-Surgical Physiotherapy After Knee Arthroplasty: Optimal Timing
Journal: Physical Therapy
Year: 2017
Authors: Piva SR, Gil AB, Almeida GJ, et al.
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20160345
Key Findings
- Early physiotherapy (within 24 hours) reduces hospital stay by 1-2 days
- No increase in complications with early mobilization
- Early intervention improves range of motion at discharge
- Both groups had similar outcomes at 6-week and 12-week follow-up
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether initiating physiotherapy within 24 hours of total knee arthroplasty (day of surgery) improves outcomes compared to standard physiotherapy starting the day after surgery.
Patients who began physiotherapy on the day of surgery had shorter hospital stays (by 1-2 days) and better range of motion at discharge compared to those who started the following day. Importantly, there was no increase in complications or adverse events in the early mobilization group.
Clinical Impact
Starting physiotherapy on the day of knee replacement surgery is safe and effective. It reduces hospital stay without compromising outcomes, making it both clinically beneficial and cost-effective.