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Published on: November 9, 2018
Total knee arthroplasty in stiff knee compared with flexible knees
M Fosco1, M Filanti, L Amendola
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy. matteo.fosco@email.it
Musculoskeletal Surgery
|April 8, 2011
Summary
Total knee arthroplasty effectively treats stiff knees, achieving good or excellent results in 92% of patients. While complications are higher than in flexible knees, the procedure demonstrates significant efficacy for stiff knee treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Stiff knee presents a significant challenge in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Preoperative range of motion is a critical factor influencing TKA outcomes.
- Limited data exists on TKA outcomes specifically for patients with severely restricted knee motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of TKA in patients with preoperative knee stiffness.
- To compare the results of TKA in stiff knees versus matched flexible knees.
- To assess the complication rates and functional recovery following TKA for stiff knees.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study comparing 32 patients with stiff knees (preoperative arc 0°-50°) to 32 matched patients with flexible knees.
- Patients underwent total knee arthroplasty.
- Mean follow-up of 4.5 years; clinical results and complications were assessed.
Main Results:
- The stiff knee group experienced a higher complication rate (21.8%) including prosthetic infection, skin necrosis, early contracture, and late stiffness.
- The control (flexible knee) group had two cases of implant substitution due to periprosthetic infection.
- Excellent or good clinical results were achieved in 92% of the stiff knee group and 96% of the control group.
Conclusions:
- Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment for stiff knees, yielding high rates of good to excellent clinical outcomes.
- Patients with stiff knees have a higher risk of complications compared to those with flexible knees.
- Despite preoperative disadvantages and increased complications, TKA demonstrates efficacy in restoring function for stiff knees.
