Virtual physical therapy: A new horizon in ambulatory arthroplasty recovery

Discovering that a well-supported, evidence-based virtual physical therapy program produces the same functional and patient-reported outcomes as outpatient physical therapy—even for ambulatory TKA procedures—is a game-changer.

The rise in musculoskeletal care utilization is driving the exploration of more sustainable models to incentivize high-value care. As many total joint replacement procedures are already under bundled payments, health systems must find new ways to reduce cost while maintaining clinical outcomes.

Many health systems are studying the efficacy of remote patient monitoring and digital patient engagement on preoperative patient optimization and postoperative recovery. For total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures, virtual physical therapy has been proven to produce similar outcomes to outpatient physical therapy for traditional TKAs.

Currently, between 2.8% and 5% of TKAs in the U.S. are performed on an outpatient basis, typically on relatively young patients with few co-morbidities. However, the prevalence of same-day TKA procedures is increasing exponentially, fueled by cost containment pressures and the recent removal of TKA and total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures from the Medicare Inpatient-Only list.

Some projections anticipate that more than 50% of TKAs will be offered as ambulatory procedures within the next five years. While orthopedic practices have become much more comfortable with the benefits of remote physical therapy, there is still apprehension regarding its adoption for outpatient procedures.

A study to evaluate outpatient vs. virtual physical therapy

Our institution devised a study to determine if formal physical therapy is necessary following outpatient TKA procedures. Patients undergoing same-day discharge TKAs between August 2019 and March 2021 were randomized to either outpatient physical therapy (OPT) or an internet-based virtual physical therapy (VPT) program.

By Dr. Brandon Naylor | MedCity News

Image Credit: Liubomyr Vorona / Getty Images

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About Peter Coffaro 504 Articles
Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.

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