[What is the interest of early knee mobilization after total knee arthoplasty?].

AIMS

To develop clinical practice guidelines for early mobilisation after total knee replacement (TKR).

METHOD

We used the French Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (SOFMER) methodology, which associates a systematic review of the literature, collection of information regarding current clinical practice and external review by a multidisciplinary expert panel.

RESULTS

A review of the literature and French clinical practice allow for recommending early mobilisation, at day 0, after TKR. This practice, with continuous passive motion, does not seem to increase the frequency of complications and seems to help with rapid recovery of the joint range of motion. Trials with good methodology must be developed to define the criteria for prescribing early mobilisation after TKR. These trials should focus mainly on joint range of motion but also on economical criteria (duration of hospitalisation, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, use of painkillers) and the satisfaction of the patient.