J Korean Knee Soc.  2006 Jun;18(1):14-19.

The Relationship between Flexion-Extension Gap and Clinical Results in Total Knee Arthroplasty

• Sim JA
• Lee BK
• Kim HM

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the relationship between flexion-extension gap discrepancy and clinical results in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We evaluated the clinical results of 38 knees, which were performed TKA between March 2003 and June 2003, and followed up for at least 2 years. We divided all cases by the difference of medial and lateral joint gap in flexion and extension. Group A was no flexion-extension gap difference(17 cases) and group B was different gap(21 cases). We evaluated Knee Score, Function Score, range of motion and radiologic results
RESULTS
The difference of group B was less than 2mm. In Knee Score and function score, Group A improved from preoperative 50.1 and 45.0 to the last follow up to 95.6 and 95.9, and those of Group B improved from 48.2 and 45.2 to 96.9 and 91.4. There was no statistical difference between two groups(p>0.05). Flexion angle of Group A increased from preoperative 108.2 degree to the last follow up 115.3 degree. That of Group B increased from preoperative 101.9 degree to the last follow up 113.6degree. But, there was no statistical difference between two groups(p>0.05). 2 cases of recurrent hemarthrosis were in Group B.
CONCLUSION
We got good clinical results by flexion-extension gap difference within 2 mm. But long term followed up was needed.

Keyword

Knee; Total Knee Arthroplasty; Flexion-Extension gap

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty*
Follow-Up Studies
Hemarthrosis
Joints
Knee*
Range of Motion, Articular