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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
07:33

In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Published on: May 5, 2023

Stiffness in total knee arthroplasty.

Alfredo Schiavone Panni1, Simone Cerciello, Michele Vasso

  • 1Science of Health Department, Molise University, Campobasso, Italy. a.schiavone@iol.it

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
|July 8, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Knee replacement stiffness, a painful limitation in range of motion (ROM), stems from patient factors, post-op issues like infection, or surgical errors. Aggressive rehabilitation is crucial for recovery and preventing stiffness after total knee arthroplasty.

Related Concept Videos

Knee Joint01:23

Knee Joint

The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a painful limitation in range of motion (ROM).
  • Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving patient-related, postoperative, and surgery-related factors.
  • Preoperative ROM is a significant risk factor, alongside conditions like diabetes and previous surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the risk factors and management strategies for stiffness following total knee arthroplasty.
  • To highlight the importance of rehabilitation protocols and surgical precision in preventing and treating TKA stiffness.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of identified risk factors for TKA stiffness.
  • Analysis of patient-related, postoperative, and surgical factors contributing to ROM limitation.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
07:33

In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Published on: May 5, 2023

  • Evaluation of treatment options including conservative management and surgical interventions.

    • Main Results:

    • Patient factors (e.g., preoperative ROM, diabetes, inflammatory diseases) and previous surgeries increase stiffness risk.
    • Postoperative complications such as infection, arthrofibrosis, and heterotopic ossification are significant contributors.
    • Surgical errors (soft-tissue imbalance, malpositioning, incorrect sizing) are common causes, often requiring revision surgery.

    Conclusions:

    • Aggressive rehabilitation is vital for ROM recovery and preventing complications like arthrofibrosis.
    • While conservative and less invasive treatments exist, revision surgery may be necessary for documented surgical errors.
    • Careful surgical planning and execution are paramount to minimize stiffness and optimize outcomes after TKA.