The use of adaptive equipment following total knee replacement

Introduction: This study evaluates the need for adaptive equipment following total knee replacement. There are no recent studies to guide occupational therapists in the optimum time adaptive equipment is required following total knee replacement.
Method: A non-experimental, concurrent mixed methods approach was used. The study population was patients attending for total knee replacement at a large general hospital. Outcome measures were the Oxford Knee Score, the United Kingdom Functional Independence Measure and a weekly diary.
Results: A total of 19 patients were included in the study. Following assessment, 53% (n¿=¿10) required adaptive equipment following total knee replacement. No significant difference was found in pre-operative pain or function scores, gender or surgical pathway when comparing those who did and did not need adaptive equipment post-operatively. Patients who required adaptive equipment post-operatively had significantly worse pain (p¿=¿0.030) and function (p¿=¿0.040) at 6 weeks post-operatively and had significantly longer inpatient stay (p¿=¿0.041).
Conclusion: Although there are resource implications, patients requiring adaptive equipment following total knee replacement should be assessed by occupational therapy staff 6 weeks post-operatively to ensure optimal functional outcomes following surgery.