Post-Arthroscopy Rehabilitation

Post-Arthroscopy Rehabilitation

Post-Arthroscopy Rehabilitation

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Post-Arthroscopy Rehab: Principles - Healing Blueprint

  • Goals:
    • Pain & swelling ↓
    • ROM & strength ↑
    • Proprioception restoration
    • Safe functional recovery
  • Phases (Tissue Healing Guided):
    • Inflammatory (Protection): 0-2 wks. RICE, pain control, gentle passive/active-assist ROM. Goal: Minimize effusion, protect repair.
    • Proliferative (Repair): 2-6 wks. Progressive ROM, isometric & light isotonic exercises. Goal: Promote tissue healing, restore mobility.
    • Remodeling (Maturation): >6 wks. Advanced strengthening, plyometrics, sport-specific drills. Goal: Maximize strength, prepare for Return To Function (RTF).
  • Key Principles:
    • Early Mobilization: Prevents adhesions, aids cartilage.
    • Criterion-Based Progression: Functional milestones, not just time.
    • Pain as Guide: Modify activity based on pain.
    • Patient Education & Adherence: Essential for success.

⭐ Early, controlled motion post-arthroscopy is crucial for synovial fluid nutrition to articular cartilage and preventing arthrofibrosis.

Post-Arthroscopy Rehab: Knee Protocols - Hinge Highlights

  • Core Goals: ↓ Pain/swelling, restore ROM (esp. extension), regain strength, safe activity return.
  • Phased Progression (Criteria-Based):
    • Phase 1 (Acute; 0-2 wks):
      • Protect repair, control effusion. ROM: ext, 90° flex.
      • Exercises: Heel slides, quad sets, patellar glides. WBAT w/ crutches.
      • ⚠️ Signs: Infection, DVT.
    • Phase 2 (Subacute; 2-6 wks):
      • Full ROM. Closed-chain exercises (mini-squats). Gait normalization.
    • Phase 3 (Strengthening; 6-12 wks):
      • Progressive resistance, balance/proprioception.
    • Phase 4 (Return to Activity; 3-6+ mo):
      • Sport-specific drills, plyometrics. Gradual return.
      • 📌 Respect tissue healing; avoid overstressing.

Knee rehabilitation exercises

⭐ Early full passive knee extension (to or matching contralateral side) is paramount post-arthroscopy to prevent disabling flexion contractures and ensure normal gait mechanics later on.

Post-Arthroscopy Rehab: Shoulder Protocols - Socket Savers

  • Focus: Labral repairs (Bankart, SLAP), capsular plication. Goal: Protect repair, restore motion, strength.
  • Phase I (Protection: 0-6 wks)
    • Sling: 4-6 wks (abduction pillow if needed).
    • PROM: Gentle, surgeon-limited (e.g., ER @ side 0-20°, Fwd Flex to 90-120°).
    • No shoulder AROM. Pendulums, distal AROM.
  • Phase II (Early Motion: 6-12 wks)
    • Wean sling. AAROM → AROM.
    • Submaximal isometrics: RC, deltoid, scapular muscles.
    • Scapular stabilization.
  • Phase III (Strengthening: 12-20 wks)
    • PREs: RC, scapular stabilizers.
    • Closed-chain → open-chain exercises.
    • Avoid combined Abduction + ER.
  • Phase IV (Return to Activity: 20+ wks)
    • Sport-specific drills, plyometrics.
    • Gradual return to sport.

⭐ For anterior stabilization (e.g., Bankart repair), external rotation is typically restricted for the first 6 weeks to protect the healing labrum (e.g., ER @ 0° abd: 0-15°).

Post-Arthroscopy Rehab: Complications & Adjuncts - Trouble Shooters

  • Common Complications:
    • Infection (septic arthritis): Urgent antibiotics, possible washout.
    • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Risk ↑ in lower limb; consider prophylaxis (e.g., LMWH).
    • Persistent pain/swelling: Investigate; NSAIDs, cryotherapy.
    • Stiffness (arthrofibrosis): Aggressive physiotherapy; Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) if severe.
    • Nerve injury (neuropraxia/axonotmesis), instrument breakage (rare).
  • Helpful Adjuncts:
    • Cryotherapy & compression: Manage pain, edema.
    • Continuous Passive Motion (CPM): Early ROM, cartilage health.
    • Pharmacological: NSAIDs, targeted analgesia.
    • Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training: ↑ strength with ↓ loads.

⭐ Septic arthritis post-arthroscopy, though rare (<1% incidence), is a devastating complication requiring immediate joint aspiration, empirical IV antibiotics, and often surgical debridement and washout to preserve joint function. Early diagnosis is critical!

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Early mobilization is crucial to prevent stiffness and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
  • Rehabilitation follows a phased approach: protection, Range of Motion (ROM), strengthening, and sport-specific training.
  • Pain and swelling control (e.g., RICE protocol) is vital in the initial phase.
  • Weight-bearing progression (Non-Weight Bearing to Full Weight Bearing) depends on the specific surgical procedure.
  • Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) may be used for certain knee procedures to improve early ROM.
  • Proprioception and neuromuscular control exercises are essential for restoring joint stability.
  • Return to activity/sport is criteria-based, not solely time-based, ensuring functional recovery.

Practice Questions: Post-Arthroscopy Rehabilitation

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Why is early mobilization important after hip arthroplasty?

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Flashcards: Post-Arthroscopy Rehabilitation

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2 standard portals are used in arthroscopy:Anteromedial - _____Anterolateral - visualising camera

Hint: instrumentation/visualisation

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2 standard portals are used in arthroscopy:Anteromedial - _____Anterolateral - visualising camera

instrumentation

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