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Total knee arthroplasty of the stiff knee: three hundred and four cases
Caroline Debette1, Sébastien Lustig, Elvire Servien
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Centre Albert Trillat, 103 Grande Rue de La Croix Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France, carodebette@yahoo.fr.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in stiff knees (flexion ≤90° and/or flexion contracture ≥20°). Our hypothesis was that despite having poorer results than those obtained in a "standard" population and a high rate of complications, TKA was a satisfactory treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee associated with significant stiffness.
Methods:
Three hundred and four consecutive primary HLS TKAs (Tornier), whose data were prospectively collected between October 1987 and October 2012, were retrospectively analysed at a mean of 60 months (range, 12-239) postoperatively. Two groups, those with a "flexion contracture" and those with a "flexion deficit", were assessed for postoperative range of motion (as integrated to the Knee Society score [KSS]), physical activity level and patient satisfaction.
Results:
At the latest follow-up, range of motion was significantly improved, as was the KSS. Ninety-four percent of patients were satisfied or very satisfied, and activity levels were increased after surgery. The complication rate, however, was high in patients with a preoperative flexion deficit (17%). Pain and residual stiffness were the most common complications.
Conclusion:
TKA provides satisfactory results in patients with knee osteoarthritis associated with significant pre-operative stiffness. The surgical plan should be adapted to anticipate complications, which are particularly frequent in the presence of a flexion deficit.
