Effects of Two Weeks of Knee Compression After Total Knee Arthroplasty on Motor Function: A Controlled Before-and-After Study

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Objective Swelling of the knee after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) impairs postoperative motor function. This study aimed to investigate whether knee swelling after TKA affects motor function and whether 2 weeks of compression intervention can improve postoperative motor recovery. Methods We screened 120 patients undergoing unilateral TKA. After exclusions and loss to follow-up, 88 patients were analyzed (compression group n=46; control group n=42). Outcomes (circumference, knee range of motion (ROM), pain, knee extensor strength, and walking speed) were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks after TKA. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the two groups. Results Swelling was significantly reduced in the compression group compared to the control group (36.4±2.6 cm in the compression group and 38.0±3.1 cm in the control group; p=0.014). Additionally, the ROM of knee extension (-1.1±2.1°in the compression group and -3.7±5.9°in the control group; p=0.015), pain at rest (6.1±15.1mm in the compression group and 15.9±19.1mm in the control group; p=0.001), muscle strength of knee extension (0.38±0.1Nm/kg in the compression group and 0.34±0.1Nm/kg in the control group; p=0.000), and gait speed (0.80±0.2m/s in the compression group and 0.75±0.2m/s in the control group; p=0.000) were significantly improved in the compression group. There was no significant difference in the ROM of knee flexion (113.6±13.0°in the compression group and 114.6±13.6° in the control group; p=0.708). Discussion To our knowledge, this is one of the few studies that have examined the effects of 2 weeks of knee compression on swelling and motor function after TKA. The compression group showed significantly higher improvement in motor function compared to the control group. Therefore, continuous compression for 2 weeks may be an effective method to reduce postoperative knee swelling and improve motor function after TKA. Conclusion It is suggested that compression of the knee for 2 weeks after TKA is useful in reducing swelling and improving motor function.

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