Abstract
A 62-year-old male patient post right total knee arthroplasty performed due to knee osteoarthritis was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 2 sessions over 2 days at an acute care hospital under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated the same day as the right total knee arthroplasty procedure. The patient was evaluated by using goniometry, light touch, circumference, the numeric pain rating scale, levels of assistance, the Modified-Iowa Level of Assist scale, Well’s criteria, the Activity-Measure for Post-Acute Care Short Mobility Form, and discharge disposition so that a plan of care could be established. The patient was found to have impairments of the right knee in passive range of motion, sensation, and edema as well as limitations in functional mobility leading to the inability to discharge home the day of surgery. The main goals for the patient were to increase passive range of motion, decrease pain severity, control edema, maintain a low risk of deep venous thrombus, improve independence in functional mobility, and discharge to home. The main interventions used were therapeutic exercise to improve range and movement of the right knee, task specific training to improve functional mobility, and education and coordination of care to control pain levels, swelling, and facilitate home discharge. The goals of improving range of motion and pain, improving functional mobility, and being discharged to home were achieved. The patient was discharged home with a home exercise program, the assistance of his wife, and a front wheel walker.