Knee Osteoarthritis: Alternative Range of Motion Treatment

Abstract

The number of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries is expected to soar, and an effective nonoperative rehabilitation program is needed. We began treating patients with knee osteoarthritis with a range-of-motion (ROM) -based rehabilitation program that was delivered systematically, starting with ROM exercises for knee extension, followed by exercises for flexion and swelling reduction, before starting a strengthening program. In a group of 396 patients, significant improvements were made in knee extension, flexion, and KOOS subjective scores for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sport, and quality of life. Furthermore, the program prevented 76% of patients from undergoing TKA surgery.

Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis; Range of motion; Rehabilitation; Total knee arthroplasty.