Effect of Physiotherapy after Total Knee Replacement to Prevent Knee Stiffness: A Literature Review

Mimoze Zogaj

Abstract: Introduction: All over the world, total joint replacement is one of the most common and popular surgical technology. Knee replacement surgery is done frequently and very successfully. Knee stiffness is a common symptom in patients after total knee arthroplasty. Restricted motion range, also known as knee stiffness, is one of the significant complications after intra - articular or extra - articular injury. Postoperatively, it is primarily due to articular fibrosis (intra and extra) and scarring adhesions in the quadriceps - femoral apparatus after ligament reconstruction, patellar tendon repair, burn, and total knee arthroplasty. Knee stiffness is both preventable and treatable with physiotherapy treatment. Physiotherapy includes electrotherapy and exercises therapy playing an important role in reduction of knee stiffness. The aim of the present study to survey the existing literature related to exercise therapy and electrotherapy programs for the management of post - operative knee stiffness. Materials and Methods: A computerized search of the ELSEVIER, PubMed, and Medline database was conducted for 1 year. The search was performed using English language. Review methods; The MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE Web of Science, and PEDro databases were searched in 2023 - January 2024. Prospective or retrospective cohort studies were included, RCT and met analysis were used for referenced. Results: Based on the literature survey undertaken, the best approach for efficient recovery is to plan and start treatment regimen preoperatively that should be continued until achieving knee symmetry postoperatively and physical therapy has a very important role in achieving satisfactory results in terms of knee functionality and the ability to prevent stiffness. Conclusions: Interventions including physiotherapy functional exercises after discharge result in short term benefit after total knee arthroplasty.

Keywords: knee stiffness, effects of physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercise, total knee arthroplasty, physiotherapy