Lutzner J. J Arthroplasty. 2014. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2013.09.046.
Use of a cruciate-retaining high-flexion design for total knee arthroplasty achieved a small amount of additional intraoperative flexion compared with a cruciate-retaining standard implant; however, the difference was not sustained at follow-up, according to study results.
Researchers randomly assigned 122 patients to receive a cruciate-retaining standard or high-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study’s primary outcome measure was range of motion (ROM), and additional outcomes included Knee Society Score and health-related quality-of-life scores (SF-36).
According to study results, patients experienced a greater intraoperative ROM with the high-flexion implants, with a mean flexion of 109.9° preoperatively, 129.1° intraoperatively and at 109.7° 1 year follow-up compared with a mean flexion 107.4° preoperatively, 123° intraoperatively and 108.9° at 1 year follow-up in the standard group. Although the difference was considered statistically significant intraoperatively (P < .001), it was not considered significant preoperatively or at follow-up.
Multivariate analysis showed preoperative knee flexion as the only significant factor influencing knee flexion at follow-up, according to the researchers. There were no differences found in the Knee Society Score or SF-36.
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
