2016 Volume 43 Issue 6 Pages 461-468
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate pain control using the self-check sheet following early discharge after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to determine its effectiveness for prevention of pain and maintenance of range of motion (ROM) in the early postoperative period.
Methods: Fifty-five patients who had undergone TKA participated in this study. The patients were randomized into one of two groups: the self-check intervention group or the control group. I explained how to manage pain by myself after the discharge both groups, self-check sheet was distributed by the self-check intervention group. Pain associated with walking, pain associated with going up and down stairs, and the ROM of the knee were evaluated. A comparison between the two groups of the differences with 5 days and 2 weeks after TKA were analyzed via student t-test.
Results: There was a significant difference between pain with walking, pain with going up and down stairs, and knee flexion ROM. They were improved by the self-check intervention group.
Conclusions: Pain management using the self-check sheet after early discharge of TKA patients was effective for prevention of pain and maintenance of ROM in the early postoperative period.
