Faculty Advisor(s)
Molly Collin
Document Type
Course Paper
Publication Date
2-2020
Rights
© 2020 Katelyn Austin
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the elderly. The prevalence of unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs) increases by 30% each year. Benefits of UKA’s are quicker recovery times and an overall less invasive procedure compared to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Robotic-arm-assist surgery has been shown to increase the accuracy of implant positioning compared to traditional surgical techniques. The purpose of this case report was to look at the impact of physical therapy (PT) on outcomes and return to golf in a patient following a Mako robotic-arm-assisted UKA. Case Description: The patient was a 71-year-old female referred to outpatient PT one week after having a UKA to treat unicompartmental osteoarthritis of her right (R) knee. Her treatment included range of motion (ROM) and strengthening exercises, patellar mobilizations, balance training, patient education, and a home exercise program (HEP). She received PT two to three times a week for eight weeks. Outcomes: This patient demonstrated improvements in all outcome measures upon self-discharge at week eight despite having had two falls that set her back in her recovery. Right (R) knee active ROM improved (8-111 to 3-126 degrees), Lower Extremity Functional Scale score improved (31/80 to 59/80), and R Single Leg Balance Test without upper extremity support improved (3 to 15 seconds). Right patellar mobility improved in all directions from hypomobile to normal, and strength improved in R hip flexion, knee flexion, and knee extension. Discussion: This case report suggests that the combination of strength and ROM exercises, patellar mobility, balance training, patient education, and a HEP were beneficial to a patient following a UKA. Further research should be done comparing outcomes and recovery times of UKAs versus TKAs.
Recommended Citation
Austin, Katelyn, "Return To Golf In A 71-Year-Old Female After A Mako Robotic-Arm-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Case Report" (2020). Case Report Papers. 114.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrpaper/114
Comments
The case report poster for this paper can be found here:
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/167/