Preoperative physiotherapy and short-term functional outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

50 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to osteoarthritis were randomized to a preoperative physiotherapy protocol or control group. The present study was conducted to determine if the physiotherapy regimen was able to better prepare the body to withstand the stresses of the surgery and ultimately result in improved postoperative short-term functional recovery. The findings of this study reported that both groups significantly improved in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales compared to preoperative levels. When comparing outcomes between groups the KOOS subscales of symptoms and activities of daily life function favoured the preoperative physiotherapy group. However, comparable results were seen in terms of the pain, sports and recreational function, and quality of life subscales on the KOOS questionnaire, as well as in range of motion. These results indicate that preoperative physiotherapy does not appear to provide significant benefits in short-term functional outcome following TKA.