Influence of structured telephone follow-up on patient compliance with rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effects of structured telephone follow-up on patient’s home-exercise compliance after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A total of 202 elderly patients who received a unilateral TKA were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group that received structured telephone follow-up after discharge and the control group that received routine health care. Pain, functional ability, quality of life, and depression survey scores were measured before and after TKA. The intergroup and intragroup differences were analyzed during the 12 months following discharge. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of both groups. The mean home-exercise time and total days in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Variable scores differed significantly between groups. Pain, functional ability, quality of life, and depression improved significantly after TKA in both groups, and the intervention group had greater improvement in mental health and active range of motion. CONCLUSION: Undergoing a TKA can significantly reduce the patient’s pain from osteoarthritis while improving the overall physical function and quality of life. Furthermore, a structured telephone follow-up can improve patient adherence to home exercise after TKA.