This study investigated whether achieving a higher degree of knee flexion after TKA promoted the ability to perform high-flexion activities, as well as patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Clinical data on 912 consecutive primary TKA cases involving a single high-flexion posterior stabilized fixed-bearing prosthesis were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including knee flexion angle, the ability to perform high-flexion activities, and patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Of the cases, 619 (68%) achieved > 130° of knee flexion after TKA (high flexion group). Knee flexion angle and clinical scores showed significant annual changes, with the maximum improvement seen at 5 years and slight deterioration observed at 10 years postoperatively. In the high flexion group, more than 50% of the patients could not kneel or squat, and 35% could not stand up from on the floor. Multivariate analysis revealed that > 130° of knee flexion, the ability to perform high-flexion activities (sitting cross-legged and standing up from the floor), male gender, and bilateral TKA were significantly associated with patient satisfaction after TKA, while the ability to perform high-flexion activities (sitting cross-legged and standing up from the floor), male gender, and bilateral TKA were significantly associated with patient quality of life after TKA.
High knee flexion angle (> 130°) after TKA increased the ease of high-flexion activities and patient satisfaction. The ease of high-flexion activities also increased quality of life after TKA in our Asian patients, who frequently engage in these activities in daily life.