The comparison of lymph drainage’s technical efficiency treating patients after the knee arthroplasty

Object of the research: three lymphatic drainage techniques, used for patients after knee arthroplasty. Problem of research: there are increased numbers of complications after knee arthroplasty operations. One of the most common complications is swelling, caused by infection, which cause disorders of the lymph flow. It is recommended to use lymphatic drainage techniques to improve lymph flow, decrease pain and increase range of motion of the knee. Aim of this research: to compare three lymphatic drainage techniques used on patients after the knee arthroplasty. Goals of the research: 1. Define and compare volumes of the leg, higher and lower knee, after using manual lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy and massage therapy „Andullation“. 2. Measure and compare knee range of motion of bending, after using manual lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy and massage therapy „Andullation“. 3. Identify and compare changes of the pain, after using manual lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy and massage therapy „Andullation“. Methods and organization of the research: There were 15 patients in the research: 6 men and 9 women. The average age of the women was 55.8 years and 56.5 for men. There were three lymphatic drainage techniques used: manual lymphatic drainage on 5 patients, pressotherapy on 5 patients and a new “Andullation” massage therapy, which was performed on 5 patients disregarding their gender and age. There were three parameters used to determine and compare the results: visual analogue pain scale, measurements of the upper and lower knee, and the range of the knee bending motion. The measures were done before the start of the therapy and 4 weeks after. Conclusion: 1. After using treatment, it found that biggest effect has manual lymphatic drainage for decreasing leg volumes 5 cm higher and 5 cm lower knee (p<0,05). 2. Results showed, that after using manual lymphatic drainage knee bending increased the most (p<0,05). 3. After using manual lymphatic drainage pain changes was the biggest (p