Myofascial trigger points distribution pattern in patients post total knee replacement

Background: Knee pain is one of the major sources of pain and disability in developed countries and is the primary indication for total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with Osteoarthritis (OA). Purpose: To assess myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) distribution pattern in muscles around the knee joint pre and post-treatment program in patients post TKR. Design: pre - posttest experimental design. Methods: Fifty female and male patients post TKR. Their age ranged from 50-80 years old. All patients were observed and assessed for the distribution of the MTrPs in muscles around the knee joint pre and post-treatment program. All 50 patients were randomized equally to 2 groups: group A (experimental) received myofascial release (MFR) and exercises and group B (control) received exercises only. Assessment was done by transparent grading sheet to locate MTrPs accurately during our assessment pre and post-treatment. Results: There was a significant decrease in MTrPs numbers in group A post treatment compared with that pre-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MFR is effective treatment for MTrPs in patients post TKR.