Efficacy of Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement in Gonarthrosis

The evaluation of the efficacy of rehabilitation program in patients with unilateral gonarthrosis after total knee replacement was performed at the orthopaedic department, Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Science. The study included 44 patients who underwent primary total knee replacement with cement implants Osteonics 7000, USA, during the period from 1996 to 2000. After discharge all patients were recommended to take an outpatient rehabilitation course. Due to various reasons 26 patients refused and 18 patients completed the rehabilitation program. The results were assessed after the rehabilitation course completion (3 months after surgery), one year after surgery and at final examination ( 45,2 months average), In the post-rehabilitation group of patients statistically trustworthy improvement of knee joint function and strength of extensors were noted directly after completion of the rehabilitation program and 1 year after surgical intervention. Final examination did not show significant difference between the two groups.