A clinical study on early postoperative rehabilitation following bilateral total knee replacement

Objective:To discuss the rehabilitation of bilateral total knee replacement(TKR).Method:21Patients after TKR were investigated,whom were underwent the operation in our hospital from Fe b2002to Aug2002and followed-up6-12months.Outcome evaluations involved knee rang e of movement,and functional mobility at discharge from the hospital and6month p ost operation.The rehabilitation procedure consisted of three parts,preoperative period,0-20days post operation and after-discharge.Passive,active-assisted and active ROM exercises of the knee,daily strengthening,balance exercises,gait tra ining,proprioception exercises and ability to transfer independently were perfor med in different periods.Result:During the postoperative hospitalization was10-20days.In the period,all of the patients had achieved functional independence su fficient for discharge.At discharge,flexion of the knee was100°-120°mean101° ±11.3°,extension10°-30°mean10.4°±8.6°.Follow-up six month after surgery, motion and HSS score of knee were excellent.Conclusion:Early rehabilitation coul d facilitate function restoration and range of motion for the patients with bila teral total knee replacement.The rehabilitation protocol must be modified accord ing to the patient's condition.