The use of electrotherapy in complex treatment programs for patients after total arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most common surgical interventions in the world and the Russian Federation. Endoprosthetics of the knee joint occupies a leading place in the structure of surgical methods for the treatment osteoarthritis.

AIM: of the study was to scientifically substantiate the feasibility of the complex use of electrical stimulation and therapeutic exercises in patients after total knee arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 60 patients who were admitted 3 months after TCS and were randomized into 2 groups. In the first group, 30 subjects received electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles and underwent therapeutic exercises, for a course of 10 procedures. The subjects of the second group, 30 people, had only physiotherapy exercises.

RESULTS: The use of electrotherapy and physiotherapy exercises, in the complex treatment of patients after total knee arthroplasty, improves the function of joint mobility. This is confirmed by the improvement in the functional activity of the operated joint according to the KSS scale (Кnee Society Scores), the improvement in the state of microcirculation and the positive dynamics of the pain syndrome according to the VAS (Visual Analog Scale). The obtained data of the HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) questionnaire testify to the expansion of the possibilities for performing most of the activities in everyday life. However, more statistically significant results were obtained in patients after a course of quadriceps electrical stimulation and therapeutic exercises compared with the use of therapeutic exercises alone.

CONCLUSION: The complex of rehabilitation of patients after total knee arthroplasty presented by us, including electrostimulation and therapeutic gymnastics, is scientifically sound, effective and can be implemented into the basic scheme of outpatient and sanatorium treatment of this category of patients.