Effect of physical therapy rehabilitation program for elderly osteoarthritis patients undergo knee replacement surgery in Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital
Abstract
Abstract
Background : Osteoarthritis has been a major health and public health problem among the elderly worldwide, with an increasing prevalence. The primary treatment is knee replacement surgery, which requires a rehabilitation program supported by physical therapy.
Methods : This action research was conducted at Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital between January and July 2025. The study sample consisted of 33 patients aged 60–79 years. Research instruments comprised a general information questionnaire, an osteoarthritis awareness questionnaire, a postoperative self-care questionnaire following total knee replacement, a knee function assessment form, and a patient outcome record form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the paired t-test.
Results : It was found that the development of a physical therapy rehabilitation program for elderly patients with osteoarthritis who underwent knee replacement surgery included the following exercises: (1) raising and lowering the ankle, (2) tightening the knee, (3) tightening the leg muscles, (4) dragging the foot and bending the knee, (5) sitting with the legs straight out and raising the ankle, (6) sitting on a chair with the feet touching the floor and lifting the operated leg until the knee was straight, and (7) standing and walking using a walking aid, with instructions provided before discharge. After implementation of the program, patients showed a statistically significant increase in overall osteoarthritis awareness (p = 0.031), and their overall postoperative self-care behavior significantly improved (p = 0.006). Following rehabilitation, 87.9% of patients were able to walk with full weight-bearing for 30 days or more, 63.6% walked with partial weight-bearing for less than 30 days, and 78.8% walked with full weight-bearing for less than 30 days. In addition, 81.8% were able to walk with a walker frame within 72 hours after surgery, 57.6% achieved knee flexion of ≥90 degrees before discharge, and 66.7% had postoperative pain control with a pain score ≤5. None of the patients developed postoperative infection, experienced unplanned transfer to the ICU, or required re-operation (100%).
Conclusion : The rehabilitation physiotherapy program for elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis following total knee replacement has been shown to enhance patients’ knowledge and adherence to appropriate postoperative self-care, thereby facilitating functional recovery, reducing postoperative complications, and ultimately improving overall quality of life
Keywords : Physical Therapy Rehabilitation, Osteoarthritis, Knee Replacement Surgery
