Stiffness After Knee Replacement Could be Tied to the Spine

For Immediate Release
November 9, 2019

Dallas, November 9, 2019 – A first study of its kind sought to determine if patients who have poor range of motion after total knee arthroplasty could have had an unrecognized deformity in their spine that led to stiffness after surgery. Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, MD presented results of the study at the 2019 AAHKS Annual Meeting. 

Dr. Vigdorchik and co-authors, Oren Feder, MD, Aaron Buckland, MD, David J. Mayman, MD, Kaitlin M. Carroll, BS, Peter K. Sculco, MD, William J. Long, MD and Seth A. Jerabek, MD retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients who underwent manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for poor range of motion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Using biplanar imaging, authors measured knee alignment and spinopelvic parameters and identified those with sagittal spinal deformity. In those with deformities, range of motion was improved after MUA; however, extension was not. Patients with spinal deformity did not improve their flexion after MUA. Patients without spinal deformity were more likely to improve both flexion and extension after MUA. 

Authors suggest that, “knee flexion as a compensation for sagittal imbalance predisposes to flexion contractures and poor range of motion after TKA. Patients who present with a clinical suspicion of spinal deformity should be worked up preoperatively and counseled about their risk of stiffness after TKA.” 

Abstract: http://meeting.aahks.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/19_paper-25-vigdorchik.pdf 

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About the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) 

Established in 1991, the mission of AAHKS is to advance hip and knee patient care through education, advocacy and research. AAHKS has a membership of over 4,000 surgeons and other hip and knee health care professionals. 

Contact
Denise Smith Rodd
drodd@aahks.org