A Biomechanical Foot-Worn Device Improves Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Biomechanics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often remain abnormal and may lead to prolonged postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study is to assess a biomechanical therapy after TKA. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial of 50 patients after unilateral TKA. One group underwent a biomechanical therapy in which participants followed a walking protocol while wearing a foot-worn biomechanical device that modifies knee biomechanics and the control group followed a similar walking protocol while wearing a foot-worn sham device. All patients had standard physical therapy postoperatively as well. Patients were evaluated throughout the first postoperative year with clinical measures and gait analysis. Results: Improved outcomes were seen in the biomechanical therapy group compared to the control group in pain scores (88% vs 38%, P =.011), function (86% vs 21%, P =.001), knee scores (83% vs 38%, P =.001), and walking distance (109% vs 47%, P =.001) at 1 year. The therapy group showed healthier biomechanical gait patterns in both the sagittal and coronal planes at 1 year. Conclusion: A postoperative biomechanical therapy improves outcomes following TKA and should be considered as an additional therapy postoperatively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)47-55
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Arthroplasty
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2019

Keywords

  • biomechanics
  • clinical outcomes
  • gait analysis
  • kinematics and kinetics of the knee
  • sagittal and coronal plane
  • total knee arthroplasty

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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