Role of Continuous Passive Motion in Tibial Plateau Fracture

JRCRS. 2017; 5(1): 42-45

Abstract

Background: The use of continuous passive motion (CPM) in postoperative treatment of tibial plateau fractures is increasing. CPM is possible to increase flexion/extension in a controlled manner that is immediately obvious to the patients and can assist in giving the patients a goal to strive.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a continuous passive motion (CPM) device on knee range of motion after postoperative treatment of tibial plateau fractures.

Methodology: A consecutive case series study was conducted with seven tibial plateau fracture patients underwent for open reduction and internal fixation in the Institute of Orthopedics Research & Accidental Surgery, Devadoss Multispecialty Hospital, India. A total of 7 patients were selected, in which 6 were male and 1 was female. The CPM was used for early knee mobilization with standard physiotherapy treatment in postoperative hospitalization period. The primary outcome was knee joint active range of motion; it was measured by universal goniometry, assessed before initiating of knee flexion exercise at day ‘six’ post-operative treatment and initiation of discharge process at day ‘twelve’ post-operative treatment.

Results: A statistical significant difference seen between day ‘six’ post-operative treatment (24.3±6.075) and day ‘twelve’ post-operative treatment (75±15.546) in study patients (Mean difference-50.701, (p-value 0.000). The results revealed that the knee joint active range of motion was increased with help of CPM at the time of discharge from hospital, (p value 0.000).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest, use of CPM in the post-operative period following treatment of tibial plateau fractures benefit with regard to knee motion at discharge from hospitalization.

Keywords: Tibial plateau, continuous passive motion, Tibial fracture, Physiotherapy