OVERVIEW.

Continuous passive motion (CPM) devices provide uninterrupted, joint-passive range of motion over a controlled range and speed (slow) for up to 24 hours per day. The device is essentially a hinged, framelike machine with supports for the limb above and below the joint, a motor (A/C or battery), and controls for regulating the amount and speed of joint excursion. CPM was originally conceived to reduce the adverse effects of joint immobilization (i.e., adhesions, contracture formation, joint effusion, postoperative pain) by introducing controlled continuous passive motion soon after limb surgery. Concerns include the application of inappropriate forces that may either disrupt healing of tissue (skin, joint, bone, bleeding) or cause new injury (skin ulcers and nerve palsies).¹

SUMMARY: CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS.

Four sources cited a total of 12 concerns. Concerns ranged from one to four per source, with a physician and hand clinician citing the greatest number. Most concerns were musculoskeletal or skin related (abrasions). The most frequently cited concern was the presence of fractures. Other concerns cited by lone sources included the presence of joint infection, joint arthrosis, unstable joints, bleeding, and sensation loss.

OTHER ISSUES.

The FDA² reports 25 CPM-related complications, some of which involve either a patient or a health professional getting an appendage (finger, foot, genitalia) caught in the moving parts of the CPM device.

Note: Entrapment issues, proper operation of units (watching out for erratic output), and adequate training (e.g., proper dosage and donning) could be highlighted in future published guidelines.