Is there a functional benefit to obtaining high flexion after total knee arthroplasty?
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.
Meneghini
Robert Michael
RM
St Vincent Center for Joint Replacement, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260, USA.
Pierson
Jeffery L
JL
Bagsby
Deren
D
Ziemba-Davis
Mary
M
Berend
Michael E
ME
Ritter
Merrill A
MA
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