Effects of Two Weeks of Knee Compression After Total Knee Arthroplasty on Motor Function: A Controlled Before-and-After Study

Objective Swelling of the knee after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) impairs postoperative motor function. This study aimed to investigate whether knee swelling after TKA affects motor function and whether 2 weeks of compression intervention can improve postoperative motor recovery. Methods We screened 120 patients undergoing unilateral TKA. After exclusions and loss to follow-up, 88 patients were analyzed (compression group n=46; control group n=42). Outcomes (circumference, knee range of motion (ROM), pain, knee extensor strength, and walking speed) were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks after TKA. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the two groups. Results Swelling was significantly reduced in the compression group compared to the control group (36.4±2.6 cm in the compression group and 38.0±3.1 cm in the control group; p=0.014). Additionally, the ROM of knee extension (-1.1±2.1°in the compression group and -3.7±5.9°in the control group; p=0.015), pain at rest (6.1±15.1mm in the compression group and 15.9±19.1mm in the control group; p=0.001), muscle strength of knee extension (0.38±0.1Nm/kg in the compression group and 0.34±0.1Nm/kg in the control group; p=0.000), and gait speed (0.80±0.2m/s in the compression group and 0.75±0.2m/s in the control group; p=0.000) were significantly improved in the compression group. There was no significant difference in the ROM of knee flexion (113.6±13.0°in the compression group and 114.6±13.6° in the control group; p=0.708). Discussion To our knowledge, this is one of the few studies that have examined the effects of 2 weeks of knee compression on swelling and motor function after TKA. The compression group showed significantly higher improvement in motor function compared to the control group. Therefore, continuous compression for 2 weeks may be an effective method to reduce postoperative knee swelling and improve motor function after TKA. Conclusion It is suggested that compression of the knee for 2 weeks after TKA is useful in reducing swelling and improving motor function.