Functional Outcome of Preoperative Exercises on Range of Movements Following TKA: A Prospective Comparative Study

Background. The range of motion prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a key determinant of the postoperative range of motion. The chance that the accompanying stiffness of the extensor mechanism may lead to limited flexion following surgery increases with how restricted the preoperative range of motion was. It would make sense to enhance knee ROM before surgery in order to optimize flexion following TKA. Final flexion following TKA is affected by a number of factors, although preoperative range of motion is the most important. The aim of the study to evaluate the functional performance and efficacy of the preoperative exercise programme on the osteoarthritic knee during the exercise period, following arthroplasty, during immediate postoperative recovery, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Methods. For the study, 156 patients with knee arthritis were collected over a period of one and a half years. In this prospective study, they were divided into a treatment group and a control group. Preoperative knee exercise was given to 78 patients for at least one month. Prior to and following the treatment groups workouts, all patients were observed. The time in days before reaching 90 of knee flexion and the length of the hospital stay were the data that were gathered. At 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, each subject had their knee ROM and KSS reevaluated. Results. Knee workouts were unquestionably helpful in achieving early knee flexion up to 90 in comparison to that of the control group. When the treatment group was compared to the control group, knee flexion to about 90 and more was attained in about 4 weeks; this difference was statistically significant (p0.01). However, there were no appreciable variations in the knee range of motion achieved on long-term follow-up for 6 months and a year. Conclusion. In conclusion, prehabilitation significantly improves the KSS for the treatment group both before surgery and three months after surgery. Exercises done before to surgery help patients recover more quickly from TKA and may speed up the process of achieving a good flexion and extension range of motion. However there is no significant difference in functional outcome after one year post surgery in both groups.