Continuous Passive Motion

Overview
Patients use the Continuous Passive Motion Machine as part of the recovery process of knee surgery. While the patient lies in bed, the CPM works by flexing and extending the leg without using the patient’s muscles. By moving the joint in continuous motion, the CPM prevents the joint from becoming stiff during the recovery. Doctors use the CPM machine for total knee replacement surgery, ACL reconstruction, and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, among other surgical procedures.

Detailed Description
After knee surgery, patients generally feel more comfortable flexing their knee than bending it. Furthermore, patients tend to keep the joint immobile, due to the pain associated with movement. The CPM machine increases flexibility in the joint and shortens the time of hospital stay. Within 24 hours of surgery your doctor can initiate the CPM machine.

The CPM machine has many advantages. The machine administers controlled, passive motion, which increases blood flow to the joint. The increased blood brings nutrition to the joint, and helps to alleviate swelling. Within 24 hours of surgery your doctor can initiate the CPM machine.

The psychological effects of seeing the knee bend and flex may be an additional benefit to a patient recovering from knee surgery. In addition, CPM may reduce the number of post-operative blood clots and prevent scar tissue from forming.

Last updated: 26-Oct-01