The effect of knee flexion contracture following total knee arthroplasty on the energy cost of walking

J Arthroplasty. 2014 Jan;29(1):85-9. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.04.039. Epub 2013 May 29.

Abstract

This study evaluated the energy cost of walking (Cw) with knee flexion contractures (FC) simulated with a knee brace, in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recipients (n=16) and normal controls (n=15), and compared it to baseline (no brace). There was no significant difference in Cw between the groups at baseline but TKA recipients walked slower (P=0.048) and with greater knee flexion in this condition (P=0.003). Simulated FC significantly increased Cw in both groups (TKA P=0.020, control P=0.002) and this occurred when FC exceeded 20° in the TKA group and 15° in the controls. Reported perceived exertion was only significantly increased by FC in the control group (control P<0.001, TKA P=0.058). Simulated knee FCs less than 20° do not increase Cw or perceived exertion in TKA recipients.

Keywords: energy cost; flexion contracture; gait; total knee arthroplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Contracture / etiology
  • Contracture / physiopathology*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / physiopathology
  • Joint Diseases / surgery*
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology*
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Walking / physiology*