Disorders of coordination, strength and proprioception are frequently described after surgery of the knee joint. These muscular coordination disorders have not yet been studied sufficiently. The purpose of this study was the objective-quantitative characterization of muscular coordination disorders of the M. quadriceps femoris by means of EMG mapping in the arthrotic knee joint and their progress after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty and after in-patient rehabilitation.
The extent and pattern of activation (EMG mapping) of the M. quadriceps femoris were investigated by means of a 16-channel EMG technique in 38 patients before and after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (type LCS).
EMG mapping permitted an objective-quantitative characterization of the extent and pattern of activation in the M. quadriceps femoris before and after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty and therefore the objectivation of muscular coordination disorders. Muscular coordination disorders were present already before surgery and were also caused by the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty. These coordination disorders can be improved by an inpatient rehabilitation.
The development of exercise programs adequate for everyday life is necessary to remove quickly and actually the demonstrated coordination disorders.