Pre-surgery and post-surgery telerehabilitation for hip and knee replacement — treatment options review and patient´s attitudes towards telerehabilitation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the five most disabling diseases. Aims of this study were to review treatment options for patients suffering hip or knee osteoarthritis and to assess patients´ attitudes toward telerehabilitation over the Internet at the beginning of practical implementation of telerehabilitation platform. The study group consisted of hip osteoarthritis patients at the end stage of their disorder after admission for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty. Fifty four patients (38 females and 16 males) aged 60,83 y.a. with average VAS pain score 4,98, lower extremities discrepancies and Range of Motion restrictions in affected hips participated in this study. Symptoms, functional status and Computer skills, E-mail and the Internet significantly influence on patients willingness to participate telerehabilitation were evaluated. Rehabilitation modalities, protocols, effectiveness were discussed in literature search. Hip and/or knee OA pre- and postoperative rehabilitation protocols, exercises and versatile conditions of their implementations for target population were discussed. Computer skills, using the Internet and e-mail are the most important factors influencing patient´s willingness to participate telerehabilitation.