website – https://www.tracpatch.com/
As you know, I have written about TracPatch many times on the blog. I am a big fan of these technology for cost-effective, real-time, followup data that doesn’t burden the healthcare system.
The TracPatch Health wearable device represents a significant advancement in postoperative care for TKA patients. By providing detailed, continuous data on recovery metrics, it allows for a personalized and proactive approach to rehabilitation. As more surgeons and patients adopt this technology, the potential for improved outcomes and patient satisfaction will only continue to grow.
TracPatch has two new publications that I would like to summarize below. Previous TracPatch articles here – https://orthostreams.com/?s=tracpatch
1/ Normative Values for Daily Functional Recovery Patterns following Total Knee Arthroplasty
In recent years, the integration of wearable technology in healthcare has surged, particularly in orthopedics. The TracPatch Health wearable medical device is at the forefront of this revolution, offering unprecedented insights into patient recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Two recent clinical studies highlight the efficacy and benefits of using TracPatch to monitor and enhance postoperative rehabilitation.
Establishing Normative Recovery Patterns
The first study aimed to establish normative values for daily functional recovery in the first six weeks after TKA using the TracPatch wearable device. Conducted between 2020 and 2023, this prospective study included 566 patients from 11 surgeons across 8 institutions. Key metrics such as knee range of motion (ROM), total daily steps (TDS), cadence, and device usage were continuously monitored over six weeks.
Key Findings:
- Nonlinear Recovery: Patients showed the most significant gains in the first three weeks post-surgery. Men demonstrated higher total daily step counts and cadence compared to women.
- Impact of BMI: Obese patients exhibited poorer performance in all recovery metrics compared to their lower-BMI counterparts.
- Average Usage: Patients wore the device for an average of 12 hours daily over 45 days, providing a comprehensive dataset for analysis.
These normative values provide surgeons with a standardized recovery timeline, enabling them to identify and address deviations promptly, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
2/ Characterization of the Relative Change in Objective and Subjective Metrics by Baselining Patients Who Have Wearable Technology Before Total Knee Arthroplasty
The second study focused on characterizing a subset of 82 patients’ baseline data before TKA and tracking their recovery up to 50 days post-surgery. This pilot study utilized the TracPatch system to gather both objective (joint position, step counts) and subjective data (pain scores, patient-reported outcome measures).
Key Findings:
- Step Count Recovery: Patients experienced a deficit of approximately 4,000 steps immediately after surgery, returning to near-baseline levels by day 50.
- Range of Motion: Knee flexion showed a 30° deficit immediately post-surgery, returning to baseline around the same 50-day mark. Extension deficits also followed a similar recovery trajectory.
- Pain Management: Pain scores increased by 3 points immediately after surgery but decreased to 2 points below baseline levels between 40 and 50 days postoperatively.
These findings underscore the value of establishing a presurgical baseline to set realistic recovery expectations and benchmark postoperative outcomes.
Practical Applications and Future Directions
The TracPatch wearable device has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing postoperative care through continuous monitoring and data collection. By providing real-time feedback on key recovery metrics, it empowers both patients and clinicians to make informed decisions about rehabilitation strategies.
Applications:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Surgeons can use baseline and postoperative data to tailor rehabilitation programs to individual patients’ needs.
- Early Intervention: Deviations from normative recovery patterns can be identified early, allowing for timely interventions to address potential complications.
- Patient Engagement: Continuous monitoring and feedback can motivate patients to adhere to prescribed exercise regimens, improving overall outcomes.
Future Directions: The ongoing development of standardized protocols and increased sample sizes will enhance the robustness of the data, providing even more accurate recovery trajectories. Additionally, integrating data from electronic health records and routine patient-reported outcomes will offer a comprehensive view of each patient’s recovery journey.
Conclusion
The TracPatch Health wearable device represents a significant advancement in postoperative care for TKA patients. By providing detailed, continuous data on recovery metrics, it allows for a personalized and proactive approach to rehabilitation. As more surgeons and patients adopt this technology, the potential for improved outcomes and patient satisfaction will only continue to grow.