Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Gary Schindler

Keywords

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee -- rehabilitation; Obesity -- complications; Osteoarthritis, Knee -- rehabilitation; Treatment Outcome; Case Reports

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The knee is a significant structure within the musculoskeletal system, which is used for dynamic and static movement in the environment. Obesity has been found to have significant health implications within all of the body's systems. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of an obese patient following a total knee arthroplasty and gain understanding of the impact that obesity has on functional improvement during postoperative physical therapy care of a total knee replacement.

Case Description: The patient is a 43 year old female, who has undergone a total knee arthroplasty secondary to osteoarthritis. The patient was admitted to a transitional care unit for physical and occupational therapy evaluation and treatment.

Discussion: Current research is inconclusive on the long-term recovery of obese patients who have undergone a total knee arthroplasty. Further research is needed to determine the most efficient and effective method of treatment. It is currently unclear how obesity impacts total knee arthroplasty functional recovery.

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