J Korean Knee Soc.  2004 Dec;16(2):88-93.

Early Manipulation for Flexion Limitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty

• Yang IH
• Kim SH
• Han CD

Abstract

PURPOSE: We evaluated restoration of range of motion(ROM) after manipulation under intravenous anesthesia in patients whose maximum flexion was less than 90 degrees at 2 weeks after total knee arthroplasty(TKA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
136 knees of 108 patients who received TKA between January 1996 and December 2000 and followed up for more than 2 years were analyzed. The forceful manipulation underwent for 16 knees because whose maximum flexion was less than 90 degrees after 2 weeks of TKA. Manipulation were done for 12 of 16 cases at 2 weeks after TKA and 4 cases after more than 3 months.
RESULTS
12 knees which were manipulated 2 weeks after TKA had a mean flexion 103+/-10.2 degrees , 111+/-9.6 degrees and 116+/-11.4 degrees at immediate post-operation, 3 months and 2 years after TKA. In 4 knees manipulated more than 3 months after TKA, a mean flexion was 100+/-10.4 degrees , 102+/-11.5 degrees and 96+/-11.4 degrees at immediate post-operation, 3 months after manipulation and 2 years after TKA. 120 knees with no manipulation had a mean flexion 115+/-13.7 degrees at last follow-up. There was no difference of a mean flexion at last follow-up between group manipulation within 2weeks after TKA and group with no manipulation.
CONCLUSION
Manipulation under intravenous anesthesia performed 2 weeks after TKA if patients had less than 90 degrees of flexion increased flexion of the operated knee without any serious complication.

Keyword

Knee; Total knee arthroplasty; Manipulation; Maximum flexion

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Intravenous
Arthroplasty*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Knee*