Postoperative care and rehabilitation in patients with chondral lesions of the knee
Information for nursing staff, 2024, 56(2), 42-47.
M. Koleva1, N. Dimitrov2, M. Draganova3, P. Vasilev4
1 Department of Medical Diagnostic Activites, Medical University – Pleven
2 University Orthopedic Hospital “B. Boychev” ‒ Sofia
3 Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
4 Department of Dermatology Venerology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Introduction. Articular cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that provides a smooth, lubricated surface for joint movement and absorbs mechanical shocks. However, due to its avascular nature and limited self-repair capacity, damage to this tissue poses significant clinical challenges. Following knee articular cartilage repair, rehabilitation plays an indispensable role in the success of the surgical intervention. The rehabilitation process should be designed to facilitate the recovery of joint function, optimize the integration of the autotransplant or fibrous tissue, and prevent complications such as joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Aim. To optimize the postoperative care and rehabilitation program for patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for knee articular cartilage damage. Methods. One hundred forty-eight patients who underwent arthroscopic chondroplasty (perforations, microfractures, or mosaic chondroplasty) were included in the rehabilitation program, which included preoperative rehabilitation, training in the use of outpatient assistive devices, patellar mobilization, cryotherapy, physical exercises, electrical stimulation of quadriceps muscles and exercises aimed to restore the physiological range of movement in the knee through passive and active movements. After completing the rehabilitation program, patients were analyzed according to the Lysholm and VAS scores. Conclusion. All patients who underwent surgical treatment and postsurgical rehabilitation showed significant improvement in Lysholm and VAS scores. This study provides a logical and effective postoperative protocol that can be administered to patients receiving arthroscopic treatment for knee articular cartilage damage. The rehabilitation protocol provided will facilitate effective progress and allow patients to resume their routine daily activities.
Key words: postoperative care, Lysholm knee score, cartilage, rehabilitation
Address for correspondence: Mariya Koleva Колева, e-mail: megkolevamd@yahoo.com