Stratification of Outpatient Physical Therapy Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Knee Arthroplasty Physical Therapy Pathways (KAPPA) Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Outpatient physical therapy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often considered crucial for an effective recovery. However, recent evidence suggests that a self-directed pathway may yield similar benefits to supervised care. Despite this, there appear to be no established criteria to determine who can successfully self-direct their rehabilitation versus those who would benefit from outpatient physical therapy.

Which Patient Factors Best Predict Discharge Destination After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? The ARISE Trial.

Background: The role of inpatient rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains uncertain, with evidence suggesting no better functional outcomes for those who discharge to rehabilitation to those who discharge home. The aim of this study is to develop and implement a pre-operative predictive tool, ARISE (Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Initial Screening Evaluation), that incorporated psychological, functional, and socio-demographic factors to determine discharge destination.

Methods: One week prior to TKA, the ARISE tool was administered to 100 patients, in addition to an EQ-5D-5L survey and other demographic data being recorded.

Pedaling-Based Protocol Superior to a 10-Exercise, Non-Pedaling Protocol for Postoperative Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Despite the routine use of physical therapy in the immediate and early postoperative phase for patients who undergo total knee replacement (TKR), there is a paucity of research into the optimal exercise protocols in both the acute inpatient setting and early period after discharge. Pedaling has often been recommended by clinicians after TKR for rehabilitation, but to our knowledge, there has been no investigation into its utility in the acute postoperative setting. Therefore, we performed a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of pedaling in the acute postoperative period.

What is the evidence to support early supervised exercise therapy after primary total knee replacement? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Total knee replacement (TKR) patients participate in early supervised exercise therapy programs, despite a lack of evidence for such programs or the optimal type, duration or frequency to provide the best clinical outcomes. As hospital stay rates decrease worldwide, the first days after joint replacement surgery are of increasing clinical importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate any reported effects of published early exercise therapy following TKR surgery.