Effects of Dynamic Splinting on Knee Flexion Angle After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Universidade Norte do Paraná60 enrolled

Overview

To evaluate the effects of a knee flexion Dynasplint orthosis on knee flexion angle after a total knee arthroplasty. Sixty participants, who underwent a total knee arthroplasty, were randomly assigned in two groups: control group and Dynasplint group.

Post-surgical rehabilitation interventions following total knee arthroplasty consist mainly of stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent soft tissue fibroses around the joint, thus, avoiding contractures and providing increases in the range of motion at the knee joint. Although knee manipulation and open arthrolysis may improve range of motion after total knee arthroplasty , the results have been variable and additional procedures are frequently necessary. Studies demonstrated the effectiveness of dynamic orthoses in reducing joint contractures after orthopedic surgeries in various joints that require a long rehabilitation period. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the knee flexion Dynasplint orthosis (KFD) on the length of rehabilitation and range of knee flexion angle after total knee arthroplasty.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Acquired Fixed Flexion Deformity of the Knee (Disorder)

Interventions

Knee flexion Dynasplint orthosisDEVICE

Standardized rehabilitation procedures started at the first day after total knee arthroplasty. Both groups received the same standardized physical therapy intervention. The experimental group used the knee flexion Dynasplint orthosis (Dynasplint Systems, Inc. Canada, Woodbridge, ON) at night, while sleeping, over six continuous hours for one month, starting seven days after the total knee arthroplasty. The control group received only the standardized physical therapy intervention.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Patients enrolled will have been schedule to receive first prosthesis of the knee: Arthritis of the knee, dominated with pain Painful, deformed, and/or unstable knees secondary to degenerative or inflammatory conditions Exclusion Criteria: Fractures Knee sepsis Osteomyelitis or any orthopedic infection Psoriasis Knee joint neuropathy Previous Stroke or Brain Injury Significant pathology acquired secondary to the surgery

Locations (1)

Hôpital Jean-Talon

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The knee flexion angle was assessed in supine position with a universal goniometer

The outcomes were obtained by one experienced and well-trained physical therapist.

Time frame: Change from baseline knee flexion angle at 6 months

Secondary Outcomes

Measures of knee function.

Assessed by the Knee Society Score (KSS)

Time frame: Change from baseline knee flexion angle at 6 months

Measures for quality of life

Assessed by Short-form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)

Time frame: Change from baseline knee flexion angle at 6 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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