Rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty: an overview of current approaches and methods

Background. Total endoprosthesis, including total knee arthroplasty (ТКА), is the main treatment method for severe forms of osteoarthritis. However, the quality of life in patients after surgery largely depends on the management of the rehabilitation process. The development of new rehabilitation methods and a need to study the efficiency of traditional ones enhance the relevance of the systematization and analysis of new studies on ТКА rehabilitation.

Objective: to identify key trends in rehabilitation of ТКА patients and to consider current rehabilitation methods with proven efficiency.

Material and methods. Literature search was conducted in scientific databases and electronic libraries: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Schoolar, and eLibrary. A total of 2860 publications were identified, including 70 fully eligible and considered in the review. Sources were searched and selected based on PRISMA guidelines.

Results. The current trends in ТКА rehabilitation involve early initiation of recovery procedures, digitally managed late postoperative period, and a personalized approach. The use of proven methods ensures rehabilitation according to the specified trends. These include exercise, biofeedback, and physical (cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and electroacupuncture) therapy, as well as the latest technologies: robotic exoskeletons and virtual reality devices. Specially designed mobile applications and remote monitoring tools enable efficient telerehabilitation. This personalized approach contributes to patients’ satisfaction with the recovery process.

Conclusion. The development of modern rehabilitation methods ensures comfortable recovery procedures for ТКА patients and their return to full life within a relatively short time.

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