Features of the development of movements after knee arthroplasty

Objective: to compare different options for the development of knee joint movements after arthroplasty. Subjects and methods. The investigation involved 130 patients who had undergone knee arthroplasty. According to the postsurgery rehabilitation program, the patients were divided into 4 groups: 1) 25 patients who underwent the core of the rehabilitation program from the first day and active and passive knee flexion exercises from day 3; 2) 25 patients who did knee flexion exercises from day 3 and also received passive movement therapy; 3) 40 patients, in whom movement development was started immediately after surgery; 4) 40 patients, in whom movement development was initiated as soon as possible postsurgery and passive movement therapy was also used. Results. The amount of drainage discharge and the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were higher in Group 4 patients at 1 and 5 days. There was a statistically significant difference in the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSS) scores between Groups 1 and 2, Groups 2 and 3, and Groups 2 and 4 at 6 months postsurgery, while that in the WOMAC scores between Groups 1 and 2 at 12 months after arthroplasty. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the KSS scores in the groups at 12 months after arthroplasty. Conclusion. When keeping the adequate balance of the ligamentous apparatus during knee arthroplasty, it is advisable to implement a standard early rehabilitation program without using the hardware techniques. The use of passive movement therapy significantly increases the amount of drainage discharge and worsens pain syndrome.