Self-Management following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A concept to emphasize

Abstract

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered as one of the leading cause of disability around the world1. Total knee Arthroplasty is known to be the best treatment option available for reduction in pain and symptoms in case of failure of conservative management2. Recently enhanced recovery pathways have been followed after knee replacement surgery which includes a combination of early mobility, education of patient and care giver, nutritional and fluid support. These enhanced pathways lead to shorter hospital stay3. Due to the shortened hospital stay, the aspect of self-management by patient becomes fundamental. Post-operative self-management of patients following knee replacement is a crucial factor for successful recovery. Self-management as defined by World Health Organization is the ability of patients, care givers and community to effectively manage with the disease, either with the support of health service provider or independently. In knee replacement, self-management includes pain management, physical therapy exercises, daily self-activities and precautionary measures4.