Abstract
Background
To aid recovery, rehabilitation is an important adjunct to surgery. Acknowledging the MRC framework for complex interventions we assessed the evidence-base for components of comprehensive rehabilitation in total hip (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) pathways.
Methods
We conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCT) of pre-surgical exercise and education, occupational therapy and post-operative physiotherapy. In feasibility RCTs we explored acceptability of pain self-management and occupational therapy before THR, and physiotherapy after TKR. We searched trial registers for ongoing RCTs.
Results
Pre-surgical interventions
Systematic review identified 38 interventions targeting physical function before THR and TKR. Interventions showed functional benefit compared with controls, standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.32 (95% CI 0.20, 0.44; p<0.00001). In 27 studies targeting in-hospital recovery, intervention patients had lower anxiety, SMD 0.38 (95% CI 0.13, 0.63; p=0.003), and earlier mobilisation by 4 hours (95% CI 0.04, 0.30; p=0.009). In 20 studies, interventions targeting long-term recovery showed no benefit for function or pain.
We randomised 88 patients into a feasibility RCT of group-based pain self-management. Attendees were highly satisfied but participation was low.
Pre-operatively, many patients may perceive that only surgery can treat their symptoms.
Occupational therapy
Systematic review identified 7 small RCTs in THR. Function improved in patients receiving occupational therapy, SMD 0.40 (95%CI 0.09, 0.70; p=0.01) but this was not sustained post-surgery. In our feasibility study with 44 patients randomised to pre-operative provision of aids and appliances or usual care, the intervention was delivered successfully and acceptable to participants. We identified no ongoing studies.
Post-discharge physiotherapy
Systematic review identified 7 small studies suggesting that physiotherapy after TKR gives functional benefit at 3–4 months, SMD 0.37 (95%CI 0.12, 0.62; p=0.004) but not at later follow up. As noted in a recent review in THR, quality of evidence was limited.
Our feasibility study evaluated six weeks of group-based activity-orientated rehabilitation in 46 TKR patients. The programme was well-received and attendance good. A fully-powered RCT is underway. We identified two ongoing studies targeting patients at risk of, or with, poor recovery.
Conclusion
The evidence-base for comprehensive rehabilitation in THR and TKR is growing. Pre-surgical interventions may be effective but, in isolation, not acceptable to many patients. Ongoing definitive trials in TKR physiotherapy will guide future care. Well-designed trials of physiotherapy after THR and occupational therapy are needed. Ultimately, rehabilitation interventions throughout THR and TKR pathways may provide optimal care but this will need appropriate evaluation.
