Range of motion during the perioperative period in total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: This study focused on the change in the range of motion (ROM) during the perioperative period, i.e., the preoperative and intraoperative ROM, and that on discharge, and compared the difference between posterior cruciate ligament-retaining (PCLR) and -sacrificing (PCLS) prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospectively randomized study, we compared the changes in the ROM in PCLR (n = 50) and PCLS (n = 50) total knee arthroplasties. RESULTS: The mean flexion in PCLR prostheses was 130.0 degrees preoperatively, 120.0 degrees intraoperatively, and 105.0 degrees at discharge, and 125.0 degrees , 120.0 degrees , and 100.0 degrees , respectively, in PCLS. The designs did not differ statistically in each period (P > 0.05). Both designs showed significant correlations between the preoperative and intraoperative ROM, and between the preoperative and discharge ROM. Only the PCLS showed a significant correlation between the intraoperative and discharge ROM, and a significant difference was observed in correlation of rank coefficient between the two prostheses (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PCLS design has an advantage in rehabilitation planning because of the predictable changes in the ROM during the perioperative period, although the acquired average ROM at discharge did not differ statistically.