Preoperative flexion does not influence postoperative flexion after rotating-platform total knee arthroplasty

Purpose

Preoperative range of motion (ROM) has been regarded as one of the most important factors in predicting postoperative ROM following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Mobile-bearing TKA designs have been suggested to possibly improve the knee kinematics compared to fixed-bearing designs. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in postoperative flexion as a function of preoperative flexion in a consecutive series of TKAs done using a posterior-stabilized rotating-platform prosthesis.

Methods

ROM was assessed in 153 consecutive TKAs done using a rotating-platform posterior cruciate-substituting design. Patients were divided into two groups based on their preoperative ROM (Group 1 < 95°, Group 2 > 95°). The Knee Society Score (KSS) and ROM were assessed preoperatively, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

There was no difference in flexion 12 months after surgery between groups (mean 120° and 123°, respectively. n.s.). After 3 month follow-up, no increase in ROM was experienced by either group. Patients in Group 1 experienced significantly greater increases in both ROM (p < 0.001) and KSS (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the KSS at 12 months after surgery between groups.

Conclusion

In this series of patients undergoing TKA with a rotating-platform prosthesis, the preoperative ROM was not predictive of the postoperative ROM. Patients with stiff knees preoperatively may benefit from a mobile-bearing design prosthesis.

Level of evidence

Case–control study, Level III.