Effect of Nursing Rehabilitation Program on Knee Functional Outcomes for Patients undergoing Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

2 Ass Prof .Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Knee derangements are often due to either knee injury or arthritis. Knee injuries are
so common that knee arthroscopy is amongst the most common procedures performed in orthopedic
surgery. Successful arthroscopic meniscus surgery requires physical rehabilitation to help patients return
to an active lifestyle. The Aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of nursing, rehabilitation
program on knee functional outcomes for patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscus surgery.
Research design: A quasi experimental research design with a pretest-posttest control group was
utilized. Setting: the study was carried out in the Orthopedic Departments at El- Hadara
Traumatology and Orthopedic University Hospital and the affiliated Outpatients Clinics,
Alexandria. Subjects: Convenience sample of eighty adult patients were selected according to
eligibility criteria. They were divided into two equal groups 40 in each study and control group.
Tools of data collection: three tools were used to collect the necessary data, namely: Tool I:
patient’s assessment structure interview sheet, Tool II: knee pain scale and Tool III: Mobility Index
of the Knee was divided into four parts. Part I: Muscle strength assessment scale, part II: Knee
range of motion assessment sheet, part III: Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale
(ADLS) and part IV: Complications assessment sheet. Results: The result revealed that post
program implementation, study group had a reduction in pain and improvement in knee muscle
strength, knee function and (KOS-ADLS) more than the control group. Conclusions: Rehabilitation
program after arthroscopic meniscus surgery had a significant positive effect on patient’s knee functional
outcomes. Recommendations: The developed booklet with its straightforward instructions and
illustrations should be utilized in hospitals as a teaching aid for patient undergoing arthroscopic
meniscal surgery

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