In 2016, a randomized controlled trial led by Mohd Shukry Mat Eil Ismail and colleagues has explored the effects of preoperative physiotherapy on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for primary knee osteoarthritis. While physiotherapy is widely recognized as a critical component of rehabilitation following joint replacement surgeries, the study aimed to assess whether starting physiotherapy before surgery could improve short-term functional outcomes.

The trial involved 50 patients who were randomly divided into two groups. One group of 24 patients participated in a six-week preoperative physiotherapy program, while the remaining 26 did not. Both groups, however, followed a similar rehabilitation regimen after surgery. Functional outcomes were measured using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scale, a widely used tool for assessing pain, symptoms, and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients. Additionally, the range of motion (ROM) in the knee was evaluated at three different points: before surgery, six weeks postoperatively, and three months postoperatively.

The results showed significant improvements in all KOOS subscales for both groups, but there was no substantial difference between those who underwent preoperative physiotherapy and those who did not in key areas such as sports and recreational activities. However, notable differences were seen in the symptoms and activities of daily living subscales, with the physiotherapy group showing better results. Despite this, no significant improvements in ROM were observed in either group.

The researchers concluded that while the six-week preoperative physiotherapy program did not significantly enhance short-term functional outcomes or ROM in patients undergoing TKA, some benefits were observed in specific functional areas. This suggests that while preoperative physiotherapy may have certain advantages, its impact on overall short-term recovery may be limited. More research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits.

This study contributes to the ongoing conversation about optimizing recovery after TKA and highlights the need for tailored rehabilitation programs to meet individual patient needs.

Reference: Eil, M. S. M., Sharifudin, M. A., Shokri, A. A., & Ab Rahman, S. (2016). Preoperative physiotherapy and short-term functional outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty. Singapore medical journal, 57(3), 138.