Physiotherapy Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement in Geriatric Patients: A Case Report

Serilda Alya Madaniyah; Dwi Rosella Komala Sari; Guntur Rusmana Putra

doi:10.24843/

Authors

Serilda Alya Madaniyah Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Professional Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia Author
Dwi Rosella Komala Sari Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Professional Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia Author
Guntur Rusmana Putra RS PKU Muhammadiyah Sukoharjo, Sukoharjo, Central Java, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Keywords:

Physiotherapy, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Geriatrics, Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Total knee replacement (TKR) is commonly performed in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. However, pain, limited range of motion (ROM), muscle weakness, and functional impairment may persist during the subacute postoperative phase, particularly in geriatric patients requiring structured physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of physiotherapy rehabilitation in a geriatric patient during the subacute phase after TKR due to bilateral knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: This case report involved a 70-year-old female patient evaluated three months after unilateral TKR. Physiotherapy rehabilitation was conducted once weekly for four weeks and included Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), infrared therapy, ROM exercise, strengthening exercise, gait training, stair training, and functional exercise. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), goniometer, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand (30s STS) test. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results: After four weeks, movement pain decreased from 6/10 to 4/10. Active knee flexion ROM improved from 100° to 115°, while passive flexion improved from 115° to 125°. Muscle strength improved from grade 3/5 to 4/5. The 30s STS performance increased from 9 to 11 repetitions, and the WOMAC total score decreased from 48 to 40. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: The physiotherapy rehabilitation program was associated with clinical improvement in pain intensity, knee ROM, muscle strength, and functional ability in a geriatric patient during the subacute phase after TKR.