Unlocking the Secrets of Post-Surgical Flexion: The Vital Role of Rehabilitation in Total Knee Arthroplasty Recovery

Abstract

This article delves into the critical aspect of postoperative flexion, particularly in the context of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), commonly known as total knee replacement. Postoperative flexion serves as a pivotal metric for assessing the success of the procedure and a patient’s ability to regain functional knee movement. The exploration encompasses the desired range of post-surgery flexion, the surgical factors influencing it, and the indispensable role of rehabilitation in facilitating patients in achieving functional flexion. The study tracks the progress of 713 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty utilizing the cemented technique, categorizing them based on whether they received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for postoperative treatment. The monitoring of prosthetic and knee complications, along with the evaluation of the Knee Association Score (KSS) for functional assessment, revealed postoperative complications in approximately 18.23% of the patient cohort. These complications were predominantly associated with a restricted range of motion (ROM < 90°) and patellar clunk syndrome. Significantly, the KSS scale exhibited notable enhancements in the quality of life at 12 months post-surgery compared to preoperative and 6-month assessments. The majority of patients achieved scores classified as good or excellent, underlining the positive impact of the surgical approach and postoperative management on functional outcomes and overall patient well-being.