Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Knee Range of Motion and Functional Abilities After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of combined low-level laser therapy (LLL) and rehabilitation in patients following recent total knee replacement (TKR).

METHODS

A double-blind randomized controlled study was conducted at the Orthopedic Department of Mansoura University Hospital. Forty-four patients were chosen from a total of 58 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were assigned randomly into control and experimental groups of equal size. Ultimately, 40 patients completed the study (20 from each group). Both groups participated in an intensive functional rehabilitation program, and the experimental group also received LLL therapy around the knee at the incisional line, the medial and lateral intra-articular space, above and below the patella, and at the popliteal fossa at low fluence (6 J/cm2, 650 nm continuous wave) and 60 s per point with a total dose of 48 J per session over 12 treatment sessions for six weeks. Knee range of motion (ROM) was measured with a digital goniometer, and functional abilities were assessed with the Arabic version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in all variables pre- and post-treatment within each group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in any of the measured variables between the groups (P>0.05). After treatment, there were significant differences in knee flexion ROM and WOMAC index (P<0.05) but no significant difference in knee extension ROM between the groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of low-level laser therapy to a rehabilitation program post-TKR resulted in substantial enhancements in knee flexion range of motion and the WOMAC index.