Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectivenes of continous passive motion(CPM) on limb function in patients after total knee arthroplasty.MethodsThe Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, CNKI and VIP were retrieved from the date of establishment of the databases to July, 2010 to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs). The quality of RCTs was critically appraised and data were extracted by 4 reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was conducted for the eligible RCTs.Results26 RCTs were included. The result of Meta-analysis showed that CPM improved the range of motion (ROM) in active knee flexion and passive knee flexion, eliminate swelling in short term(＜6 weeks) and alleviate pain in short and medium term (less than 6 months). CPM showed no significant difference in improving the ROM in active and passive knee extention and quadriceps strength, and shortening hospital stay.ConclusionThe patients carried out CPM training after total knee arthroplasty can effectively improve limb flexion function, eliminate joint swelling, and relieve pain in the short term. But more high-quality and large-scale RCTs are needed.

Key words: continous passive motion, total knee arthplasty, randomized controlled trials, Meta-analysis