The role of physiotherapy after total knee arthroplasty in patients with haemophilia.

With the availability of clotting factor concentrates, advances in surgical techniques, better implant design, and improvements in postoperative management, total knee arthroplasty has become the treatment of choice for haemophilia patients suffering from end-stage haemophilic knee arthropathy. The success of this surgery is also dependent on close collaborations among the orthopaedic surgeon, the haematologist and the physiotherapist. Although haemophilic patients undergoing this surgery would likely benefit from a targeted rehabilitation programme, its specificities, modalities and limitations have thus far not been extensively studied.

Physiotherapy following elective orthopaedic procedures.

As haemophilic arthropathy and chronic synovitis are still the most important clinical features in people with haemophilia, different kinds of invasive and orthopaedic procedures have become more common during the last decades. The availability of clotting factor has made arthroplasty of one, or even multiple joints possible. This article highlights the role of physiotherapy before and after such procedures.

Risks and benefits of sports and fitness activities for people with haemophilia.

Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and physical activity have been shown to help maintain a healthy body weight, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and feelings of wellbeing, control blood pressure, and prevent heart disease and diabetes. Children with haemophilia may feel restricted from competing in sports through parental concern or pain and difficulty in moving, or they may rebel against such restrictions, thus leaving themselves open to serious injury.

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty to manage haemophilic arthropathy: two case studies.

Bleeds within the shoulder joint can lead to significant joint destruction and may have associated pain, decreased range of movement (ROM), and impaired function. Conservative management should involve prompt administration of Factor VIII and physiotherapy to address all surrounding structures so as to minimize further damage. If conservative management fails to relieve severe, unremitting shoulder pain in the presence of underlying arthropathy, then arthroplasty may be considered.