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Use of physiotherapy to restore function after total knee replacement
VORÁČKOVÁ, Marcela
The bachelor thesis deals with possibilities of early physiotherapy of patients after total knee replacement during hospitalization and explores its influence on improvement of the movement of the joint and muscular strength, healing of the surrounding tissues, increasing mobility and independence of the patient. It is divided into a theoretical and practical part. The theoretical part deals with the anatomy of the knee joint, its kinesiology and gonarthrosis. Further it contains information about total replacement, the actual surgery, and especially the description of a suitable therapy focused mainly on the postoperative phase during hospitalization and also after the discharge into the home care. The physical therapy and care abroad is also mentioned. The practical part consists of qualitative research. The aim was to compile patient case reports after this surgery and propose a rehabilitation plan for them. During the research, I cooperated with three patients. Each case report includes a medical history, an initial and a final examination with a suggestion of a short-term rehabilitation plan and its description. Moreover, there is an evaluation of the therapy and a draft for a long-term rehabilitation plan. The therapy was conducted every weekday during the hospitalization and the contribution of physiotherapy was evaluated on the basis of the comparison of the initial and final examinations results. All patients experienced a significant improvement in the flexion of the operated joint, gait and independence, increased muscle strength of the limb, decreased swelling and pain, and the pathological barrier of the tissues of the operated limb. However, the elasticity of the scar and tissues around the patella, trigger points and shortened muscle groups were not affected within the time allowed. Physiotherapy have proved to be highly beneficial to all these patients, but during the short time there has been no improvement or restoration of all the aspects observed. Therefore, it is important to continue with regular care even after leaving hospital. This work can be used by students as well as patients, who are about to undergo a surgery of this kind, and other health care staff.
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