Effect of Lymphatic Drainage Manipulation on Knee Joint Swelling after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To analyze the effect of lymphatic drainage manipulation on knee joint swelling after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods This prospective study was conducted to select patients with ACL injury admitted to the Orthopaedics Department of Shanghai Ruijin Rehabilitation Hospital from February 2020 to February 2023. The participants were divided into the observation group and control group according to the random number table method, with 120 cases in each group. ACL reconstruction was performed in both groups. Postoperatively, the control group was treated with ice compression, and the ob‐ servation group was treated with lymphatic drainage manipulation. Both groups received continuous intervention for 4 weeks. The swelling degree and skin temperature of knee joint were observed at different time points (postoperative day, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks postoperatively). Range of motion (ROM) and knee function [Lysholm knee score scale (LKSS)] before and after intervention for both groups were observed, as well as changes in pain substances [substance P, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6)]. Results The