Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There is a contrary in outcome of knee arthroplasty in patients with severe stiff knees.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the outcome of artificial total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe stiff knees. 
METHODS: 221 patients with severe stiff knees performed total knee arthroplasty in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, the Forth Clinical College of Peking University from June 2007 to May 2010 were involved. According to the preoperative range of motion (ROM), these patients were divided into two groups. Severe stiff group (ROM < 65°) included 63 patients (99 knees), and partial stiff group (65°≤ROM<90°) included 158 patients (230 knees). 202 patients (300 knees) had normal activity of the knee before arthroplasty at the same time were taken as control.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: As a result of the arthroplasty, the ROM, knee society score, and Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universitics Osteoarthritis Index score of all patients were improved than before (P < 0.05). The increased ROM and function after arthroplasty of the severe stiff group knees were significant greater than those of the partial stiff group and the control group, and that of the partial stiff group knees were significant greater than in the control group. The patients with severe stiff knees could gain good ROM and function after total knee arthroplasty. Improvements in mobility and function were greater in the cases with severe preoperative stiffness.