Background of study

Numbness around the surgical scar can be a source of discomfort in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Literature reports wide variation in its prevalence. The consequence of numbness on the functional outcome is not clear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of numbness, along with factors affecting it, and assess its effect on the outcome of TKA.

Numbness around the surgical scar can be a source of discomfort or dissatisfaction in a proportion of patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Literature reports wide variation in its prevalence and the consequence of numbness on the outcome of TKA is not clear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of numbness, along with contributing factors, and assess its effect on the functional outcome of TKA.

A total of 258 patients were included in this prospective cross sectional patient reported outcome measure study. Demographic details, type and length of incision, and pre-operative and one year post-operative Knee Society Scores (KSS) were recorded and compared. A Dundee knee numbness classification was developed for the assessment of numbness. The prevalence of numbness at one year was 53%, with a female preponderance. Patients above 70 years were less affected. The BMI, laterality and incision length did not affect its occurrence. Discomfort due to numbness was recorded in 8.7% of patients, 75% of which were females. The incision length and numb area positively correlated. The KSS did not correlate with the presence or area of numbness.

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of numbness after TKA. Nevertheless, numbness does not affect the functional outcome.