Abstract
A prospective study of the relationship of first day straight leg raise (SLR) to end range of movement took place. The ability to do SLR was used to measure patients’ motivation.
A standard medial parapatellar approach was used, all patients has osteoarthritis.
Responses from 100 patients were analyzed (divided into 3 groups)
Results: Group I: 47% of patients SLR at day one postoperatively,
-
-Flexion on discharge (mean) was 74°
-
-Flexion at end follow up (mean) was 104°
Group II: 27% of patients SLR at day two postoperatively,
-
-Flexion on discharge (mean) was 66°
-
-Flexion at end follow up (mean) was 97°
Group III: 26% of patients SLR at day 3 or more postoperatively,
-
-Flexion on discharge (mean) was 66°
-
-Flexion at end follow up (mean) was 95°
Functional scores including WOMAC, SF-36 and pre-operative deformity did not vary even though Group I shows statistically significant increase in flexion at end follow up.
Conclusion: We feel that the time taken by patients to obtain SRL is multifactorial, but certainly includes motivation.
Correspondence should be addressed to Roger Smith, Honorary Secretary, BASK c/o Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
