EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY FOLLOWING JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Abstract

Joint replacement surgery is commonly performed to manage advanced degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Postoperative physiotherapy plays an essential role in improving recovery outcomes by reducing pain, restoring joint mobility, and enhancing functional independence. However, limited retrospective evidence is available regarding the effectiveness of physiotherapy rehabilitation following joint replacement surgery in routine clinical settings. A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical records of 80 patients who underwent Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgeries. Data were collected from orthopedic and physiotherapy departments of a tertiary care hospital. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment, Range of Motion (ROM), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and postoperative complications. Pre-treatment and post-treatment outcomes were compared using paired t-test analysis. The findings demonstrated significant improvement in postoperative recovery following physiotherapy rehabilitation. Mean pain scores decreased significantly from 7.38 ± 1.15 to 2.31 ± 1.16 (p < 0.001). Mean ROM improved from 60.24 ± 11.74 degrees to 108.54 ± 12.12 degrees (p < 0.001), while FIM scores increased significantly from 56.65 ± 8.58 to 87.85 ± 7.82 (p < 0.001). Most participants experienced uncomplicated recovery, with only minor postoperative complications reported. The study concluded that physiotherapy rehabilitation significantly improved postoperative recovery outcomes following joint replacement surgery. Structured rehabilitation programs effectively reduced pain, enhanced joint mobility, improved functional independence, and contributed toward safe postoperative recovery among joint replacement patients.