Increase in Total Knee Replacements Creates Greater Demand for Physical Therapy

According to a study recently published by The Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of total knee replacement surgeries have increased by 165% over the last 20 years and could reach  nearly 3.5 million total knee replacement procedures a year by 2030. To discuss the impact of knee replacement surgeries on physical therapy, Joseph Zeni, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Delware recently joined PT Talker.

The reason behind the growth is the aging population and people wanting to stay active longer.   Zeni has been involved in a number of studies that examine outcomes after knee replacement. One study found individuals with total knee replacement had weight gain following knee replacement.  Another study looked closely at outcomes after knee replacement and found that despite knee replacement, many individuals continued to be sedentary.  He sees a greater need for educating patients following their operation and believes physical therapists can play a bigger role in this area.

Take a moment to listen to the full podcast now and to find some of the studies discussed in the podcast, click here.

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One Comment

  1. Posted February 19, 2013 at 4:56 am | Permalink

    I also make it a point to be sure that the patient understands that now is the time after knee replacement surgery and physical therapy is coming to an end, to springboard to some sort of fitness or exercise program.

    Once given medical clearance walking, biking, and resistance training allows them to get back into shape and become more physically fit than ever.

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