Chapter 50 Continuous Passive Motion
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
