I am writing to respond to the protocols s/p total knee replacements.
The protocol I have used differs greatly for the ones I have read on
this newsgroup thus far. We used a rather aggressive but very effective
approach when I worked in an acute care hospital. The protocol was to
initiate the CPM (Continuous Passive Motion machine) from 0-60
immediately after surgery and it was applied for two hours on/two hours
off during the first 3 days post-op. Therapy began the first post-op
day and consisted of quad sets, short arc quads, knee flexion and
getting out of bed and walking. Our patients were typically discharged
after 3 days and the few who weren't able to tolerate the protocol went
to rehab to continue therapy.
Although this approach may appear frighteningly aggressive, the results
were outstanding!
I hope this is of help.
JE
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