Neuromuscular Electrostimulation Device for Post-Operative Oedema Prevention - Hospital Applications - Medical / Health Care
Preventing the build-up of post-operative oedema following orthopaedic surgery. Swelling in the knee, in the acute recovery period following TKR, can impair quadriceps muscle strength and rehabilitation.
Details
One month after TKR, quadriceps muscle strength drops 50% to 60% of pre-operative levels, despite the initiation of rehabilitation within 48 hours after surgery.4,5
Muscle weakness, particularly in the quadriceps muscle, has profound functional consequences, especially in older individuals and can be associated with decreased gait speed, balance, stair-climbing ability, and ability to rise from a seated position, as well as an increased risk for falls.6,7
Impaired functional performance can also be associated length of stay and patient-reported outcomes8 – and the associated knee swelling is known to increase rates of wound dehiscence and infection9 and can delay rehabilitation.
Causality:
Impairments in quadriceps muscle strength are caused by oedema10. Spinal reflex activity from swelling can diminish quadriceps muscle strength. Overtime, the fibres of the muscles can atrophy due to the lack of use.1
Strategies to address early quadriceps muscles weakness cause should target VMA and address the underlying oedema.10
Benefits
Associated geko™ benefit
NICE Guidance (MTG19) recommends use of the geko™ device for reducing the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in patients for whom drugs or mechanical compression may be contraindicated or impractical.
