The effect of total knee replacement on knee joint position sense in persons with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objectives: The primary aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the impact of TKR on JPS of the knee. Secondary objectives were to determine the impact of testing condition, knee movement direction and gender on knee JPS. Participants: The study sample contained 10 persons (mean age 64.4 years) diagnosed with unilateral knee OA and scheduled for TKR surgery. Measurements: JPS was assessed using the joint position reproduction (JPR) method. The absolute difference between the target knee angle and the reproduced knee angle, measured with Xsens MVN BIOMECH, represented proprioceptive accuracy of the knee. Two measurement conditions were used: non-weight bearing (NWB) and full weight bearing (FWB). Each participant was measured three times: once preoperatively and two times postoperatively. Conclusion: This study showed no positive or negative effects of TKR on knee JPS of the affected knee. The non-affected knee showed postoperatively less accurate JPS towards flexion (NWB). Altered knee loading patterns with possible overload of the healthy knee after surgery could underlie these deficits in JPS. The lack of between-leg differences could be explained by generalized reduction in physical condition of both knees.