What is the purpose of using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine after surgery?

The purpose of using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine after surgery is to promote joint mobility and prevent stiffness. This therapeutic device passively moves the joint through its range of motion without requiring the patient to exert effort, effectively maintaining and improving joint flexibility. After surgery, particularly orthopedic procedures involving joints such as the knee or hip, there is a risk of joint stiffness due to immobility. By using a CPM machine, the joint is continuously mobilized, which helps to reduce the formation of adhesions and promotes the healing of tissues around the joint. Additionally, maintaining motion aids in reducing pain and can lead to an overall quicker recovery by encouraging synovial fluid circulation, which is important for joint health.

The other options do not align with the CPM machine's intended function; it is not specifically designed for strengthening muscle tone, evaluating neurological function, or monitoring blood flow. Each of these processes serves distinct purposes in patient care that are typically addressed with other methods or assessments.