| Continuous passive motion | |
|---|---|
 A continuous passive motion machine for knee joint recovery | |
Continuous passive motion (CPM) devices are used during the first phase of rehabilitation following a soft tissue surgical procedure or trauma. The goals of phase 1 rehabilitation are: control post-operative pain, reduce inflammation, provide passive motion in a specific plane of movement, and protect the healing repair or tissue. CPM is carried out by a CPM device, which constantly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion; the exact range is dependent upon the joint, but in most cases the range of motion is increased over time.
CPM is used following various types of reconstructive joint surgery such as knee replacement and ACL reconstruction. Its mechanisms of action for aiding joint recovery are dependent upon what surgery is performed. One mechanism is the movement of synovial fluid to allow for better diffusion of nutrients into damaged cartilage, and diffusion of other materials out; such as blood and metabolic waste products. Another mechanism is the prevention of fibrous scar tissue formation in the joint, which tends to decrease the range of motion for a joint. The concept was created by Robert B. Salter M.D in 1970 and, along with help from engineer John Saringer, a device was created in 1978.[1][2]
- ^ Salter, Robert B. (May 1989). "The Biologic Concept of Continuous Passive Motion of Synovial Joints: The First 18 Years of Basic Research and Its Clinical Application". Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 242: 12–25. doi:10.1097/00003086-198905000-00003. PMID 2650945.
- ^ Salter, Robert B; Hamilton, Henry W; Wedge, John H; Tile, Marvin; Torode, Ian P; O'Driscoll, Shawn W; Murnaghan, John J; Saringer, John H (1983). "Clinical application of basic research on continuous passive motion for disorders and injuries of synovial joints: A preliminary report of a feasibility study". Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 1 (3): 325–342. doi:10.1002/jor.1100010313. PMID 6481515. S2CID 73955247.