Prolonged Application of Continuous Passive Movement Improves the Postoperative Recovery of Tibial Head Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Christiane Kabst,Geoffrey Lee,Christian Kleber,Xinggui Tian,Michael Amlang,Lisa Findeisen,Stefan Zwingenberger,Aderito Seixas

doi:10.1155/2022/1236781

Abstract

Methods 60 patients with THFs were randomly and equally divided into the CPM group and non-CPM group. Both groups immediately received CPM and conventional physical therapies during hospitalization. After discharge, the non-CPM group was treated with conventional physical therapy alone, while the CPM group received conventional physical training in combination with CPM treatment. At 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively, the primary outcome which was knee ROM and the secondary outcome which was knee functionality and quality of life were evaluated. Results The CPM group had a significantly increased ROM at both follow-up time points. The Knee Society Score, UCLA activity score, and the EuroQoL as well as the pain analysis showed significantly better results of the CPM group than the non-CPM group. Conclusions The prolonged application of CPM therapy is an effective method to improve the postoperative rehabilitation of THFs.

Highlights

Tibial head fractures (THFs) can be caused by high energy trauma incidents, mostly motor vehicle accidents, as well as low energy falls of geriatric patients with osteoporotic bone [1, 2]
How to increase the range of motion (ROM) and the functionality of the knee as much as possible has become the focus of postoperative rehabilitation of THFs
The purpose of this study is to explore whether the prolonged application of continuous passive motion (CPM) in the home situation will improve midterm postoperative rehabilitation after THFs

Summary

Introduction

Tibial head fractures (THFs) can be caused by high energy trauma incidents, mostly motor vehicle accidents, as well as low energy falls of geriatric patients with osteoporotic bone [1, 2]. They often require surgical treatment, and its main objectives are to restore the articular surface and axial relationships, avoid long-term immobilization, and restore the function of the injured knee joint as soon as possible [2, 3]. Short-term use of continuous passive motion (CPM) postoperatively for THFs can increase knee range of motion (ROM) immediately, and its effect on enhanced rehabilitation ended when the CPM application was discontinued.

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Discussion

Conclusion