Does greater knee flexion increase patient function and satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore function and alleviate pain.
• Patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction and function, are critical measures of TKA success.
• The role of postoperative knee range of motion, particularly high flexion, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between high knee flexion and patient outcomes after TKA.
• To determine if increased postoperative knee flexion correlates with improved patient satisfaction, perception, and function.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 122 patients undergoing primary TKA was analyzed.
• Patients completed the Total Knee Function Questionnaire.
• Knees were categorized into low (≤110°), mid (111°-130°), and high (>130°) flexion groups.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant correlation was found between knee flexion and patient satisfaction.
• Increased knee flexion demonstrated a significant positive association with achieving patient expectations.
• Higher knee flexion was linked to improved restoration of a "normal" knee perception and overall functional improvement.

Conclusions:

• While patient satisfaction was not directly influenced by the degree of knee flexion, functional outcomes and perception were.
• Achieving high knee flexion, especially exceeding 130°, may contribute to enhanced functional recovery and a better subjective experience post-TKA.
• Optimizing range of motion, including high flexion, should be considered in TKA rehabilitation protocols.