Does the new generation of high-flex knee prostheses improve the post-operative range of movement?: a meta-analysis.
A new generation of knee prostheses has been introduced with the intention of improving post-operative knee flexion. In order to evaluate whether this goal has been achieved we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic literature searches were conducted on MEDLINE and EMBASE from their inception to December 2007, and proceedings of scientific meetings were also searched. Only randomised, clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. The mean difference in the maximum post-operative flexion between the 'high-flex' and conventional types of prosthesis was defined as the primary outcome measure. A total of five relevant articles was identified. Analysis of these trials suggested that no clinically relevant or statistically significant improvement was obtained in flexion with the 'high-flex' prostheses. The weighted mean difference was 2.1° (95% confidence interval -0.2 to +4.3; p = 0.07).
Mehin
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Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, 2080 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. rmehin@hotmail.com
Burnett
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RS
Brasher
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PM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome