Abstract
Flexion contracture sometimes occurs after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In most cases, flexion contracture after TKA gradually improves over time. However, some severe cases require manipulation or revision surgery.
We searched our clinical database for patients who underwent primary TKA at our institution between 2008 and 2015. By reviewing patient records, we identified three patients (one man and two women) with a severe flexion contracture 30° after primary TKA. Although all three patients gained more than 120° in flexion intraoperatively, they developed flexion contracture after discharge from our institution. We performed manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) for all three cases several months later. The two female patients had improved range of motion (ROM) right after the manipulation. However, one of them regained flexion contracture 1 year after the MUA.
We report the details of the male patient, who had the worst flexion contracture (−60°). An 80-year-old man had right knee osteoarthritis. His history indicated only hypertension. The right knee ROM before the TKA was −20° extension and 135° flexion. His radiographs showed advanced-stage osteoarthritis. We performed cemented TKA (posterior stabiliser design). Three weeks after the operation, his right knee pain improved. The right knee ROM was −10° extension and 100° flexion just before discharge. However, he returned to our institution because of right knee pain and flexion contracture 31 months after the surgery. The flexion contracture gradually worsened without any trauma. When he returned, the right knee ROM was −60° extension and 135° flexion. Manipulation under general anaesthesia was not effective. Therefore, we performed revision TKA immediately. We excised the scar tissue of the posterior knee joint. Then, we shortened the distal femoral end by 1 cm and reduced the size of the femoral component. After the operation, the right knee ROM was improved to −10° flexion and 130° extension.
The reported prevalence of stiffness after TKA was from 1.3% to 13%. Although the deleterious effects of persistent flexion contractures > 15° is well understood, whether they resolve with time or need surgical intervention is controversial. MUA is generally the initial option for patients with flexion contractures, with the possibility of some improvement. If severe flexion contracture remains after manipulation, revision TKA, which may be considered as a useful treatment option, should be considered.
