Efficacy of acupuncture during post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and swelling around the knee and improving range of motion(ROM) during the post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty(TKA).METHODS:Following TKA,80 knees in 80 patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture treatment group(Group A) or a control group(Group C).In Group A,the complementary treatment of acupuncture was performed three times/week from postoperative day 7 until postoperative day 21.Outcome measures were:i) pain as assessed by a visual analog scale;ii) reduction of swelling around the knee as indicated by its circumference at the center of the patella;and iii) ROM of the affected knee.RESULTS:Group A patients had significantly reduced pain and swelling around the knees and earlier recovery of ROM than did those in Group C.CONCLUSION:Acupuncture provides effective treatment during the post-acute phase of rehabilitation after TKA with respect to pain relief,reduction of swelling around the knee,and early recovery of ROM.