Abstract
Knee flexion is often decreased in severe arthritis causing pain, and functional limitations in lifestyles and occupations. Newer knee replacement designs offer the possibility of greater knee motion. The objective of our study was to compare the clinical outcomes, in particular the range of motion, in patients treated with a total knee arthroplasty using either a standard posterior stabilized knee prosthesis or a high flexion posterior stabilized knee prosthesis, with regard to return to function within 1 year of surgery.
This was a prospective randomized single blinded study. Forty patients were randomly assigned to receive either a standard fixed bearing posterior stabilized or a modified high flexion fixed bearing posterior stabilized Smith & Nephew Genesis II total knee joint replacement. Clinical outcomes were determined from data collected on all patients who were evaluated pre-operatively, at twelve weeks post-operatively, and at one year post-operatively. Data collected included SF-12, WOMAC, and Oxford knee scores, and knee range of motion measurements.
37 of 40 patients enrolled completed the study. 22 patients were randomized to receive a standard posterior stabilized fixed bearing Genesis II knee replacement and 22 were randomized to receive a Hi-Flex posterior stabilized fixed bearing knee replacement. ROM, quality of life, and clinical scores at 12 months will be presented.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Associate Professor N. Susan Stott, Orthopaedic Department, Starship Children’s Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland, New Zealand.
