TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Effect of Postoperative Range of Motion on Functional Activities After Posterior Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty
AU  - Ritter, Merrill A.
AU  - Lutgring, Joseph D.
AU  - Davis, Kenneth E.
AU  - Berend, Michael E.
Y1  - 2008/04/01
N1  - 10.2106/JBJS.F.01022
JO  - The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
SP  - 777
EP  - 784
VL  - 90
IS  - 4
N2  - Background: Range of motion is recognized as an important indicator of the success of a total knee replacement; however, an optimal range of motion has yet to be defined. This study was designed to determine the optimal range of motion for knee function after total knee arthroplasty with a posterior cruciate-retaining prosthesis.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 5556 primary total knee arthroplasties performed with posterior cruciate-retaining prostheses between 1983 and 2003. The relationship between postoperative range of motion and pain, walking ability, stair-climbing ability, and knee function scores was examined at three to five years postoperatively. The relationship between a postoperative flexion contracture or hyperextension and knee function was also examined.Results: Patients with 128° to 132° of motion obtained the highest scores for pain, walking, and knee function and the highest Knee Society scores. The outcomes became substantially compromised with motion of <118°. Patients with 133° to 150° of motion had the highest scores for stair-climbing. A postoperative flexion contracture and hyperextension were associated with lower scores for pain, walking, stair-climbing, and knee function.Conclusions: The best functional results following total knee arthroplasty are achieved with 128° to 132° of motion. A postoperative flexion contracture and hyperextension of =10° are associated with a poorer outcome except that stair-climbing is improved with more motion.Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
SN  - 0021-9355
M3  - doi: 10.2106/JBJS.F.01022
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.F.01022
ER  -