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J Knee Surg 2015; 28(02): 119-126
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1396079
Special Focus Section
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Stiffness after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Jorge Manrique
1   Research Department, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Miguel M. Gomez
1   Research Department, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Javad Parvizi
1   Research Department, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

26 August 2014

23 October 2014

Publication Date:
16 December 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) adversely affects outcome and impacts patient function. Various risk factors for stiffness after TKA have been identified, including reduced preoperative knee range of motion, history of prior knee surgery, etiology of arthritis, incorrect positioning or oversizing of components, and incorrect gap balancing. Mechanical and associated causes, such as infection, arthrofibrosis, complex regional pain syndrome, and heterotopic ossification, secondary gain issues have also been identified. Management of stiffness following TKA can be challenging. The condition needs to be assessed and treated in a staged manner. A nonsurgical approach is the first step. Manipulation under anesthesia may be considered within the first 3 months after the index TKA, if physical therapy fails to improve the range of motion. Beyond this point, consideration should be given to surgical intervention such as lysis of adhesions, either arthroscopically or by open arthrotomy. If the cause of stiffness is deemed to be surgical error, such as component malpositioning, revision arthroplasty is indicated. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the various aspects of management of stiffness after TKA.

Keywords

arthroplasty - replacement - knee - contracture - joint deformities - acquired - reoperation
 

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