Swelling in the knee, in the acute recovery period following TKR, can impair quadriceps muscle strength and rehabilitation.^1,2,3

One month after TKR, quadriceps muscle strength drops 50% to 60% of pre-operative levels, despite the initiation of rehabilitation within 48 hours after surgery.^4,5

Muscle weakness, particularly in the quadriceps muscle, has profound functional consequences, especially in older individuals and can be associated with decreased gait speed, balance, stair-climbing ability, and ability to rise from a seated position, as well as an increased risk for falls.^6,7

Impaired functional performance can also be associated length of stay and patient-reported outcomes⁸ – and the associated knee swelling is known to increase rates of wound dehiscence and infection⁹ and can delay rehabilitation.

Causality:

Impairments in quadriceps muscle strength are caused by oedema¹⁰. Spinal reflex activity from swelling can diminish quadriceps muscle strength. Overtime, the fibres of the muscles can atrophy due to the lack of use.¹

Strategies to address early quadriceps muscles weakness cause should target VMA and address the underlying oedema.¹⁰

Associated geko™ benefit
NICE Guidance (MTG19) recommends use of the geko™ device for reducing the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in patients for whom drugs or mechanical compression may be contraindicated or impractical.