Comparison Between a Non-elastic Falcro Device and Current Method After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose Pain, swelling and inflammation are expected during early recovery from total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Compression therapy is a frequently used modality in the direct post operative treatment, but there is a great variety in the use of materials, the way and time frame of application. The most common goals of the compression therapy are prevention and reduction of the swelling. At the same time the literature is not consistent about the use and effects of compression therapy other than for prevention of trombo-embolic processes The state of the art care concepts for patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty embraces the concept of "fast track" (Kehlet et al) with important parts as early mobilisation and optimal analgesics. In the investigators hospital this concept has already been implemented.

During the stay in the hospital the challenge is to give adequate compression therapy to prevent and reduce swelling and enhance woundhealing. At the same time it is essential to optimise ambulation of the patient and the possibilities to exercise.

The current protocol in the investigators hospital consists of 24 hours compression therapy with "Elastomull Haft ®", an elastic bandage for the knee region, combined with a Comprinet stocking (BSM Medical®) for anti thrombotic purposis. The anti thrombosis stocking is worn for a period of 6 weeks.

The compression is combined with the use of the Continious Passive Motion device for 4 hours post operatively (2 hours immobilisation in a position of 90 degrees flexion, followed by 2 hours hours of passive motion in a range of 60-90 degrees flexion). Four hours post operatively the patient is ambulatend and the physical therapy starts.

The investigators wonder if this is the optimal way of post-operative care. Swelling of the knee and the whole leg can remain a problem in the first 6 weeks of recovery which inhibits rehabilitation. Sometimes delayed woundhealing will occur and patients may complain of more durable pain which make analgesics necessary.

Prolonging adequate compression could improve the post-operative course and support the total rehabilitation process.

The "Juxta Reduction Kit (by Medi) ®" , applied for the knee could be an adequate solution to replace the current protocol of compression therapy.

The "Juxta Reduction Kit ®" is a non-elastic compression device which can be tailored (by cutting it to the correct size) to the circumference of the leg prior to the operation. Direct post operatively the compression device can be adjusted by the staff and in the following days patients are enabled to adjust the device by themselves by using the Velcro ties to loosen or fasten it.

The device is suitable in early mobilisation and gives the patient tools for selfmanagement of the compression by using the Velcro flaps. The material doesn't restrict the range of motion and so the possibility to ambulate and to exercise as advised in the fast track concept is optimised.

In this study the patients will use the compression device for a period of six weeks in combination with an anti thrombosis stocking (Struva class 2) Outcome parameters will be measured in a scheduled way, described in scheme 1.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older
• Patients undergoing a primary elective total knee arthroplasty
• The patient is able to understand the study and is willing to give written informed consent to the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy against one of the used materials
• Severe systemic diseases causing peripheral oedema
• Acute superficial or deep vein thrombosis
• Arterial occlusive disease (stadium II, III or IV) ABPI<0,8
• Local infection in the therapy area
• auto-immunological disorders or vasculitis
• use of systemic corticosteroids
• Inability to don, doff, and adjust the device