Relationship between improvements in physical measures and patient satisfaction in rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fifty-six patients, aged 45-77 years, were enrolled in a post-TKA comprehensive therapy program focusing on knee strengthening and functional activities. The program lasted 3 months and was conducted for 1 h, twice a day, 5 days per week. Pain scores, number of steps climbed (STp), and maximum walked distance (MWD) were determined before the operation and 3 months after cessation of the rehabilitation program. In addition, knee-flexion range of motion (ROM) was measured before the surgery and immediately, 2 weeks and 3 months after the surgery. Pain decreased whereas MWD and STp increased at 3 months postoperation. In addition, the magnitude of improvement in STp correlated positively with the magnitude of change in MWD and pain. There was a significant increase in knee-flexion ROM at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperation compared with preoperation. The patient age also correlated positively with the magnitude of improvement in knee-flexion ROM after 2 weeks and 3 months of therapy. Improvements in MWD and STp were greater and pain was less, among the satisfied patients compared with unsatisfied ones. The results of this study further confirm the importance of therapy for osteoarthritis patients after TKA. In addition, as older patients are less conditioned, they seem to be more inclined to improvement in functionality with rehabilitation. Satisfied patients seem to achieve larger improvements in functional capacity and pain measures.