Extension contracture stiff knee in haemophilia: Surgical timing and procedure for total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for a stiff knee of patients with haemophilia (PWH) represents a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons for the difficulties of exposing the knee and high complication rate compared to a flexible knee.

To optimize the surgical exposure in primary TKA for PWH and to propose a threshold angle of extension contracture in treating haemophilic knee joints, retrospectively.

Sixty-seven primary TKAs for PWH (mean age, 48 years) were performed, and incisional approaches to joint were standard (58 cases) and V-Y quadricepsplasty (V-Y) (9 cases). The decision of surgical approach was decided intraoperatively by two surgeons. Pre- and post-knee angles were evaluated in each group. Variables in the V-Y group were evaluated using univariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the preoperative range of motion (ROM) and flexion were significantly associated with V-Y. Threshold values of preoperative flexion and ROM resulting in V-Y using receiver operating characteristic analysis were 45° and 35°, respectively.

Primary TKA for PWH using a standard approach may be performed before the stage preoperative flexion <45° and ROM <35°.