RANGE OF MOTION DURING PERIOPERATIVE PERIOD IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

In this prospectively randomized study, we compared the changes in the range of motion (ROM) in posterior cruciate ligament-retaining (PCLR) (n=50) and -sacrificing (PCLS) (n=50) total knee arthroplasties during the perioperative period. The median ROM in PCLR prostheses was 122.5° preoperatively, 120.0° intraoperatively, and 100.0° at discharge, and 115.0°, 120.0°, and 95.0°, respectively, in PCLS. The designs did not differ statistically in each period (p> 0.05). Both designs showed significant correlations between the preoperative and intraoperative ROM, and between the preoperative and discharge ROM. Only the PCLS showed a significant correlation between the intraoperative and discharge ROM. Since the PCL tenses with flexion, the degree of preoperative degeneration, intraoperative recession, and postoperative tension of the PCL may have played a major role in the results. The PCLS design has an advantage in rehabilitation planning because of the predictable changes in the ROM during the perioperative period, although the acquired average ROM at discharge did not differ statistically.