Abstract
Introduction
Arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a complex and multifactorial complication that may require manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). However, patient and surgical factors that potentially influence the development of knee stiffness following TKA are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to identify patient and surgical factors that may influence arthrofibrosis following TKA by assessing a cohort of patient that underwent MUA and comparing them to a matched cohort of patients without arthrofibrosis.
Methods
The joints registry of a university hospital was searched for patient that underwent MUA following primary TKA between 2004 and 2013. Demographic and surgical information was obtained from the electronic medical record including range of motion (ROM), comorbidities and timing of MUA. Patients who underwent MUA were then double-matched by baseline (prior to primary TKA) knee ROM to patients who underwent primary TKA without postoperative arthrofibrosis during the same time period.
Results
Fifty-two patients (56 TKAs, 71% female, mean BMI 32.2kg/m2) underwent MUA after TKA during the study period. MUA was performed a mean of 13.6 weeks after primary TKA. Study patient were then double-matched by baseline flexion (mean 107º±2º) to 111 patients (112 TKAs) with a similar mean baseline flexion (104º±2º, p=0.138). Patient requiring MUA were younger (mean age 56 vs. 64 years, p<0.001), had more comorbidities (5 vs. 3, p<0.001), and a higher number of previous knee surgery (56% vs. 21%, p<0.001) compared with controls. The risk for requiring MUA following primary TKA was significantly higher (2.4, p<0.001) in patient with previous knee surgery (arthroscopy for meniscal pathology, ACL reconstruction, osteotomies). Tourniquet time, length of stay, number of physical therapy sessions, blood loss >50 mL and any complication during the hospital stay were not found to be associated with increased risk of requiring MUA.
Discussion
Younger patients with more comorbidities and a history of previous knee surgery were found to have significantly higher risk for developing arthrofibrosis and requiring MUA after primary TKA in the current study. Patients with this risk profile need to counseled regarding the risk for arthrofibrosis possibly requiring MUA after primary TKA.
