Level of Evidence
You have concluded Donald’s case. Now, let’s review the levels of evidence.
For evidence-based practice, we have included a grading of evidence – strong, moderate, and weak.
Strong Evidence
Meta-Analysis or Systematic Reviews, Randomized Clinical Trials
Moderate Evidence
Cohort Studies to help answer questions about prognosis, etiology or harm
Weak Evidence
Case Series, Case Reports, Case Control Study
Summary of Evidence
Iowa Pain Thermometer
Moderate evidence
PEG
Moderate evidence
ORT
Moderate evidence
MMSE
Moderate evidence
KOOS
Moderate evidence
PT with TKA
Moderate evidence
TENS
Moderate evidence
Other Take Home Messages
These are the important notes about best practice and may not have been completed in our case.
- Pain management following total knee arthroplasty includes pain assessment, assessment of pain impact, medication review, storage of medications, medication scheduling and safety in the home.
- CDC guidelines for postoperative pain include short term use of opioids for pain management. It is important to weight the risk/benefit of pain strategies as a part of the plan of care.
- Physical therapy following total knee arthroplasty improves function and mobility more than those who do not undergo physical therapy.
- Storing and locking of medications at home are an important step of medication review.
- A home exercise program is an important part of recovery and self-management after a total knee arthroplasty.