Short-term knee flexion during stair ascent in total knee arthroplasty patients

C. Govind, D. Komaris, P. Riches, J. Clarke, F. Picard, A. Ewen

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Stair ascent is a demanding activity which requires around 85° of knee flexion. Analysing this task may give an indication of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) joint function. This study looked at short-term outcomes to give information regarding initial recovery after TKA surgery. Three-dimensional motion analysis was carried out on five healthy control participants and five TKA patients (Columbus®, B. Braun Aesculap, Tuttlingen) performing five stair ascents at their own self-selected pace, choosing whether or not to use handrails. Control data were recorded at one assessment and patient data both pre-operatively and at mean follow up of 10 weeks (8 to 12) post-operatively. The maximum knee flexion achieved during stair ascent was calculated. Four patients walked with a step over step strategy enabling comparison with the control group. There was no change in mean flexion angle from pre-operative to post-operation for either the operated side [mean pre-operatively=84° (76°-94°) vs. 82° (79°-86°) post-operatively , paired t-test p=0.67] or the non-operated side [mean pre-operatively=81° (61°-87°) vs. 81° (70°-95°) postoperatively, paired t-test p=0.56]. This was lower than mean for the control group, 97° (90°-106°) t-test p<0.001. The pre- and post-operative flexion angles of the patient who walked with a step by step strategy was 55° and 56° on the operated side and 43° and 52° on the non-operated side. Knee flexion during stair ascent was similar both pre- and at 10 weeks post operation. Post-operative function did not reach control group values. The large variation between individuals for flexion of the non-operated side may represent different strategies for stair ascent: higher angles to achieve a greater ground clearance for safety, or lower angles to allow the patient to ascend faster so the operated support leg spends less time under load. Further work on a larger number of patients is required to understand this finding.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 5 Sept 2016
EventBritish Orthopaedic Research Society: Annual Meeting - University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 Sept 20166 Sept 2016
http://www.borsoc.org.uk/meetings.html

Conference

ConferenceBritish Orthopaedic Research Society
Abbreviated titleBORS 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityGlasgow
Period5/09/166/09/16
Internet address

Keywords

  • stair ascent
  • knee anthroplasty
  • surgery recovery
  • post-operative
  • flexion angles

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