Resection arthroplasty of the knee – early treatment outcomes and rehabilitation efficiency

Introduction. Resection arthroplasty of the knee is frequently used in patients with bone tumours. Rehabilitation plays an important role in optimizing the functioning of the patients. The aim of this study was to asses treatment and physical performance outcomes after modular prosthesis surgery and to demonstrate rehabilitation methods. Material and methods. A total of 36 resections of the tumours localized in the knee joint region, followed by modular prosthetic replacement, were performed at the Orthopaedic Oncology Department in Brzozów between 2014-2016. Females accounted for 47% of the group. The mean age of the patients were 60 years (range: 36-78 years). All the patients were rehabilitated according to the own protocol. The physical performance was assessed using the MSTS. The intensity of pain was measured with the use of the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). Results. 24 MUTARS and 12 GMRS prostheses were implanted. The implants were fixed with bone cement in 7 (20%) cases and cementless in 29 (80%) cases. Six weeks following surgery, the mean functional status was 21,6 points (72%), the mean pain intensity assessed with the VAS was 4,2 points and 19 (53%) patients could walk without aid of crutches and unassisted by others. Conclusions. Modular prosthesis implantation provides good functional results. The rehabilitation procedure presented in our study positively affects the functional outcome. Postoperative complications were scarce.