Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Revision surgery for the stiff total knee arthroplasty
J R Donaldson1, F Tudor1, J Gollish1
1Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to examine the results of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) undertaken for stiffness in the absence of sepsis or loosening.
Patients And Methods:
We present the results of revision surgery for stiff TKA in 48 cases (35 (72.9%) women and 13 (27.1%) men). The mean age at revision surgery was 65.5 years (42 to 83). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Stiffness was defined as an arc of flexion of < 70° or a flexion contracture of > 15°. The changes in the range of movement (ROM) and the Western Ontario and McMasters Osteoarthritis index scores (WOMAC) were recorded.
Results:
At a mean follow up of 59.9 months (12 to 272) there was a mean improvement in arc of movement of 45.0°. Mean flexion improved from 54.4° (5° to 100°) to 90° (10° to 125°) (p < 0.05) and the mean flexion contracture decreased from 12.0° (0° to 45°) to 3.5° (0° to 25°) (p < 0.05). The mean WOMAC scores improved for pain, stiffness and function. In patients with extreme stiffness we describe a novel technique, which we have called the 'sloppy' revision. This entails downsizing the polyethylene insert by 4 mm and using a more constrained liner to retain stability.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the largest series of revision surgeries for stiffness reported in the literature where infection and loosening have been excluded.
Take Home Message:
Whilst revision surgery is technically demanding, improvements in ROM and outcome can be achieved, particularly when the revision is within two years of the primary surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:622-7.
