Protocol-Driven Revision for Stiffness After Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Motion and Clinical Outcomes

Stiffness after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a difficult problem without a well-defined treatment algorithm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of revision TKA for stiffness within the context of differential component replacement.

Consecutive patients who underwent revision TKA were retrospectively identified and included those who received debridement and polyethylene liner exchange alone, revision of only one of the femoral or tibial fixed components, or revision of all components. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Knee Society score (KSS) were collected.

Sixty-nine knees were included in the study group with a mean follow-up of 43 months (range, 12-205 months). The mean prerevision flexion contracture of 17° improved to 5° after surgical intervention (P < .001). Similarly, mean flexion and motion arc improved from 70° to 92° and from 53° to 87°, respectively (P < .001). Mean KSS knee scores improved from 42 to 70 and KSS function scores improved from 41 to 68 (P < .001). Mean arc of motion improved by 45° in patients who underwent complete component revision, 32° with component retention, and 29° with single component revision (P = .046). KSS knee scores improved by 34, 25, and 28 points in these respective groups (P = .049). KSS function scores improved by 33, 27, and 25 points (P = .077).

Revision surgery with or without component revision can improve motion and function in patients with stiffness after TKA. Complete component revision may offer the largest improvements in these outcome measures in properly selected patients.