ABSTRACT

Introduction: The implantation of total knee endoprosthesis is today an increasingly frequent lyrical surgery aimed at eliminating pain and improving function in people with osteoarthritis and other conditions that require a change of joint (rheumatoid arthritis). Although muscle weakness is a common finding in the postoperative process, due to the longevity of muscle recovery, the greatest attention is directed to m. quadriceps along the posterior lodge of the thigh muscles, due to its responsibility to carry out normal functional activities such as walking and climbing stairs.

Aim: To determine the strength of m. quadriceps, thigh circumference and mobility of the knee joint of patients with implanted total knee endoprosthesis who performed classic static and dynamic exercises for m. quadriceps and in patients who, in addition to classical exercises, performed electrical stimulation for m. quadriceps.

Materials and methods: A convenience sample was used (N=60). A manual muscle test was used to assess muscle strength, and the circumference of the quadriceps was monitored, measured at two levels. The mobility of the knee was measured with a protractor and the movement of flexion and extension of the lower leg was measured.

Results: The analysis of the first and second measurements in the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference in the measurements of extension, flexion and manual muscle test, while there was no statistically significant difference in the measurements of the circumference of the upper leg at the level of 15 and 10 centimeters. The analysis of the first and second measurements in the control group showed a statistically significant increase in the values in knee flexion and extension movements and in the manual muscle test, while there was no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements at 15 and 10 centimeters. By comparing the obtained final results between both groups, no statistically significant difference was obtained in any of the tested areas.

Conclusion: After the therapy, a positive shift is visible in all tested areas compared to the first measurements in both groups of subjects.

Key words: Total knee endoprosthesis, electrical stimulation, m.quadriceps