Abstract
A patient status post right total knee arthroplasty following medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 16 visits over 10 weeks in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was assessed at the initial encounter with goniometry, the Timed Up and Go test, the 30-second Sit-to-Stand test, the Four-Square Step Test, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, the Wells Criteria, and patient report of participation restrictions. A plan of care was established to address impairments in range of motion and strength, limitations in activities of daily living, balance, and functional mobility, and restriction in participation in shopping. The main goals for the patient were increased right knee flexion range of motion, improved dynamic balance and reduced fall risk, improved functional mobility and independence in ambulation, and increased participation in shopping. The main interventions used were impairment-based and task-specific training along with patient education and motivational interviewing. The patient responded well to physical therapy and showed improvements in range of motion, dynamic balance, independence in gait, functional mobility, and ability to go shopping. The patient was discharged from outpatient physical therapy with an independent home exercise program.