title: Is there a functional benefit to obtaining high flexion after total knee arthroplasty?
abstract: Clinical evidence is lacking to support the functional benefit of high flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A retrospective review of 511 TKAs in 370 patients was performed. The mean follow-up was 3.7 years (range, 2-8 years). Regression analysis determined the effect of obtaining high flexion (>125 degrees ) on Knee Society, stair, function, and pain scores. Of 511 TKAs, 340 (66.5%) obtained range of motion greater than 115 degrees , and 63 (12.3%) TKAs obtained high flexion greater than 125 degrees . There was no difference between the patients who obtained flexion greater than 115 degrees and those who obtained high flexion greater than 125 degrees in Knee Society scores (P = .34) and function scores (P = .57). Patients with greater than 125 degrees of flexion are 1.56 times more likely to demonstrate optimal stair function (P = .02). Obtaining flexion greater than 125 degrees after TKA does not offer a benefit in overall knee function. However, obtaining a high degree of flexion appears to optimize stair climbing.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent Center for Joint Replacement, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260, USA.
authors.forename: Robert Michael
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Meneghini
authors.forename: Jeffery L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pierson
authors.forename: Deren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bagsby
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ziemba-Davis
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Berend
authors.forename: Merrill A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ritter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome