The Journal of arthroplasty
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Clinical Trial
Validity and Responsiveness of the Two-Minute Walk Test for Measuring Functional Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty.
The 2-minute walk test (2mwt) is a performance-based test that evaluates functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated its validity compared with the modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), modified Knee Score, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and Timed Up and Go test, and its responsiveness in assessing functional recovery in TKA patients. ⋯ 2mwt is a validated performance-based test with responsiveness properties. Being simple and easy to perform, it can be used routinely in clinical practice to evaluate functional recovery after TKA.
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Comparative Study
Discharge to Inpatient Rehab Does Not Result in Improved Functional Outcomes Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.
Monitored rehabilitation has long been considered an essential part of the recovery process in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the optimal setting for rehabilitation remains uncertain. We sought to determine whether inpatient rehabilitation settings result in improved functional and patient-reported outcomes after primary TKA. ⋯ Inpatient rehabilitation settings did not result in lower complications at 6 months or improved functional or patient-reported outcomes at 2 years compared to discharge directly to home when patients are propensity matched for age, living situation, comorbidities, baseline functional status, and insurance status. This finding has important cost implications and calls into question whether the healthcare system should allow otherwise healthy patients to use inpatient rehabilitation services postoperatively after primary TKA.
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Intrathecal morphine (ITM) combined with bupivacaine spinal anesthesia can improve postoperative pain, but has potential side effects of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV) and pruritus. With the use of multimodal analgesia and regional anesthetic techniques, postoperative pain control has improved significantly to a point where ITM may be avoided in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). ⋯ ITM was associated with improved POD 0 pain scores and less initial oral/intravenous opioid consumption, which likely contributes to the subsequent improved mobilization and lower rates of PONV. In the setting of a modern regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia recovery plan for TJA, ITM can still be considered for its benefits.