Back to Sections

Publication:

Surgical Technology International XX - Orthopaedic Surgery

Article title:

Secure Tracks Device Improves Functional Recovery and Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Pilot Study

 

Order Article:

Reprint Copies:  500 - $1,960.00

1000 - $3,720.00

By e-mail: PDF Format - $69.00

 

Author(s)

David J. Jacofsky, MD
Chairman, The CORE Institute
Senior Scientist, Banner-Sun Health Research Institute
Phoenix, AZ

Sarah Kocisky, PA-C
Physician's Assistant, The CORE Institute
Phoenix, AZ

Donald Dixon, PT
Physical Therapist, Banner Del Webb Medical Center
Sun City West, AZ

Marc C. Jacofsky, PhD
Vice President of Research and Development, The CORE Institute
Director,The SHRI-CORE Orthopedic Research Labs, Banner-Sun Health Research Institute
Phoenix, AZ

Abstract

This prospective, randomized study compares functional outcomes between a novel support device (Secure Tracks™) and a standard walker following unilateral total knee replacement. Thirty patients were randomized for the study; 15 walker patients (70.7 +/- 6.4 yrs) and 15 Secure Track patients (68.2 +/- 6.7 yrs) (p=0.31).
Total distance walked during all therapy sessions was nearly two times greater in the Secure Track (2,332 ft) than with the walker (1,241 ft)(p=.053). This trend began on the day of surgery (275 ft vs. 176 ft, p<.069) and was statistically significant by the following morning (287 ft vs. 151 ft, p=.019). Patients in the Secure Track spent a greater amount of time up and ambulating with the therapists in all sessions (.006< p >.30). At the first clinical follow-up, patients that had walked in the Secure Track completed the timed up and go test (TUG), a predictor of fall risk, 3 seconds faster than the standard rehabilitation group (9.6 vs. 12.9 seconds, p<.091). The novel therapy patients demonstrated significantly greater pain relief following the TUG test (p=.005).
This study demonstrates that the choice of support device can increase patient ambulation following surgery, which will in turn improve functional outcomes and pain relief.