Total Knee Replacements and Continuous Passive Motion Devices

The use of the CPM otherwise known as continuousextending the knee after surgery themselves. Rather
passive motion, has been in existence in the field ofthen have the knee fuse itself due to the lack of
rehabilitation since 1981. The device itself wasmovement and following proper exercise protocol
developed by a Canadian physician. Whether to usethen, the CPM is warranted.
the CPM or not is determined by the orthopedicIt is generally agreed upon by most rehabilitation
surgeons protocol after having knee surgery orprofessionals that the outcome with knee mobility
shoulder surgery.after surgery is unchanged whether the patient used
The idea behind the CPM is to get the surgical kneea CPM or not.
or shoulder moving as soon as possible after surgery.Setting the device up properly will also play a big part
By having the knee or shoulder moving immediatelyin getting results and patient comfort. The device
after surgery it will hopefully prevent or retard theitself takes just minutes to get it properly aligned
formation of scar tissue or adhesions from formingwith the patients knee. Frequent misalignment is
along with, helping to reduce pain.noted causing the patient more pain and, the device
To this date there is no hard and fast rules regardingnot getting a true range of motion.
the effectiveness of the CPM. It right now is solelyThe idea behind the CPM is good however the actual
up to the surgeon on whether to use it. In someresults it gets can be minimal. If the patient will follow
case you will find where the patient themselves havetheir exercise routine that was set forth by their
requested to have a CPM applied after surgery.rehabilitation professional the results will just as good
The CPM can be effective for some patients if theyif not better.
are unable or unwilling to work on flexing and