Abstract
Fixed flexion contracture (FFC) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a source of morbidity for patients. This retrospective review of pre- and post-operative data for 811 total knee replacements with two year follow up aimed to identify pre-operative risk factors for developing FFC and quantify the effect of FFC on outcomes. The incidence of FFC two years post-operation was 3.6%. Advanced age was associated with increased rate of FFC (p=0.02) Males were 2.6 times more likely than females to have FFC at two years (p=0.012). Patients with pre-implant FFC were 2.95 times more likely than those without to have FFC (p=0.028). BMI was not a risk factor (p=0.968). Patients with FFC had poorer outcomes (Oxford Knee Score p=0.003, patient satisfaction p=0.036). The results of this study support the existing literature and clarify a previously contentious point by excluding BMI as a risk factor.
