Abstract
An 81-year-old male presenting following right total knee arthroplasty underwent physical therapy for 16 sessions over an 8-week period at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. The treatment was conducted by a student physical therapist under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The first encounter occurred 5 weeks following surgery. Outcome measures assessed included Range of Motion, 30 Second Sit-to-Stand, Functional Reach Test, Single Leg Stance Test, 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up-and-Go, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Patient reported attendance of social events and use of assistive devices were also recorded. A plan of care was established to address lower extremity weakness, diminished gait speed, poor static and dynamic balance, decreased functional mobility, and decreased quality of life secondary to reduced community participation. Prior to his surgery, the patient did not use an assistive device and walked frequently though was limited by pain in his right knee. Following surgery, the patient ambulated with a front-wheeled walker in the community and a quad-based cane in the home. Interventions consisted of functional training in combination with balance exercises. The patient’s goals were to regain strength and mobility so he could return to his pre-surgical social events and independent ambulation. These goals were successfully met following adherence to the plan of care, and the patient was discharged home and able to return to his prior level of function.