Abstracts by keywords: health services study
Orthopedic operations are among the most common operations in German hospitals and, according to initial forecasts, will continue to gain in importance as society ages [1, 2]. In order to avoid immobilization damage and to specifically support the healing process, mobilization measures should be started as early as possible during operations on knee joints, which must be carried out (almost) exclusively passively in the early postoperative phase. This is particularly true if the patient cannot or is not allowed to carry out any active self-exercises [3-7]. In addition to physiotherapeutic treatments, the use of motor-driven movement splints (Continuous Passive Motion - CPM splints) has become established in practice for passive movement of the joints. In the knee area, CPM movement splints are often used after endoprosthetic joint replacements, cartilage, tendon and ligament reconstructions as well as for exercise-stable osteosynthesis [8-13]. Numerous studies deal with the rehabilitative aftercare of patients after joint operations, but only rarely in the context of outpatient follow-up treatment in Germany. This work focuses on the actual care situation of patients in Germany in the sense of real world evidence. The starting point is a process cost analysis that documents the postoperative follow-up treatment of patients after knee joint surgery. The focus is on evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different treatment alternatives. Postoperative mobilization can be accomplished through the use of CPM motion splints, physical therapy, or a combination of both. The use of physiotherapy is regulated via the Therapeutic Products Directive; CPM movement splints are listed in the list of aids according to Section 139 SGB V as externally powered movement splints for the knee joint, among other things [14].