The purpose of study was to investigate kneeling ability after total knee replacement.

100 patients who were at least one year following routine uncemented primary total knee replacement were identified.

32% of patients stated they were able to kneel without significant discomfort. 64 (64%) of patients were actually able to demonstrate kneeling ability without pain or discomfort or with mild discomfort only. 24 (24%) of patients were therefore unable to demonstrate the ability to kneel because of discomfort in the knee.

There was no difference in the “kneelers” and “non-kneelers” with regard to overall knee score, range of motion and the presence of patella resurfacing.

We have investigated the ability to kneel after total knee replacement. We asked 75 patients (100 knees) at least six months after routine uncemented primary total knee replacement, to comment on and to demonstrate their ability to kneel. Differences between the perceived and actual ability to kneel were noted. In 32 knees patients stated that they could kneel without significant discomfort. In 54 knees patients avoided kneeling because of uncertainties or recommendations from third parties (doctors, nursing staff, friends, etc). A total of 64 patients was actually able to kneel without discomfort or with mild discomfort only and 12 of the remainder were unable to kneel because of problems which were not related to the knee. Twenty-four patients therefore were unable to kneel because of discomfort in the knee.

There was no difference between the ‘kneelers’ and ‘non-kneelers’ with regard to overall knee score, range of movement and the presence of patellar resurfacing.