Demonstration of the effectiveness of complete decongestive treatment in secondary lymphedema developing after total knee arthroplasty

Objective The aim of the current study is to demonstrate the treatment results of patients with lymphedema that developed after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to compare these results with those of patients with secondary lymphedema non-TKA. Methods A total of 63 patients diagnosed with secondary lymphedema and who received complete decongestive treatment (MLD + bandaging + exercise) at the lymphedema treatment unit of Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Research Hospital between June 1, 2023, and February 1, 2024, were included in our retrospective study. The circumference of both metatarsophalangeal joints was measured, and leg diameter measurements were made from the lateral malleolus to the proximal 10th, 20th, and 30th centimeters. Results Of the 63 patients included in this study, the average age in the TKA group (n = 17) was 69.23 +/- 8.27 years, and the BMI was 38.60 +/- 6.52. In the non-TKA group (n = 46), the average age was 63.50 +/- 14.05 years, and the BMI was 34.57 +/- 9.17. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data, affected sides, and initial measurements of the patients (p > 0.05). The response to continued decongestive treatment was significantly higher in both the TKA and non-TKA groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in treatment response between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Complete decongestive treatment is an effective method for treating lymphedema that develops after total knee arthroplasty. No difference in treatment response was found between patients with lymphedema following TKA and those with secondary lymphedema from other causes.