Risk factors of hyperextension and its relationship with the clinical outcomes following mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty

Introduction

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative hyperextension after mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its clinical outcomes.

Materials and methods

This retrospective case–control study included 387 knees of primary TKA patients after a 5-year follow-up. The clinical outcomes and radiographs including posterior condylar offset (PCO), femur and tibial slope angle and its discrepancy were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1: non-hyperextension, group 2: hyperextension). An extension greater than 5° measured using a goniometer at the final follow-up was defined as hyperextension. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

Overall, 43 knees (11.1%) with hyperextension were observed at the last follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the clinical outcomes although the functional scores were worse in group 2. There was no significant difference in the postoperative radiologic evaluation except for a change in PCO (group 1 vs. group 2; − 0.2 mm ± 3.8 vs. − 2.4 mm ± 3.0, p = 0.003), distal femoral resection slope angle (− 9.1° ± 2.1 vs. − 12.1° ± 1.7, p < 0.000) and discrepancy of the slope angle (0.3° ± 4.5 vs. − 3.6° ± 3.9, p < 0.000). The change in PCO [odds ratio (OR) 0.86, p = 0.012], discrepancy of the slope angle (OR 0.8136, p = 0.000) and the preoperative mechanical femorotibial angle (OR 1.09, p = 0.003) were associated with hyperextension.

Conclusion

Mobile-bearing TKA with hyperextension over 5° showed worse functional outcomes at the mid-term follow-up, even though no serious complications were observed. Care should be taken to maintain the posterior condylar offset and to match the resection angles in femur and tibia due to the risk of hyperextension and worse functional outcomes.

Level of evidence

IV.