Intraoperative manipulation for flexion contracture during total knee arthroplasty

Background:Joint gap unbalancing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) induces flexion contracture. Flexion contracture is one of the most serious complications of TKA. When flexion contracture is found during surgery, intraoperative manipulation is often empirically performed. We evaluated the effects of intraoperative manipulation on joint gap and postoperative flexion contracture.Materials and methods:TKA was performed for 136 knees. Intraoperative manipulation was performed for flexion contracture in 61 knees. Joint gap changes before and after manipulation were measured at six positions from extension to 120° of flexion. Manipulation was not performed for 75 knees. The extension angle was measured radiographically immediately after surgery, at 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Extension angles with manipulation and without manipulation were compared.Results:Joint gap changes (mm) before and after manipulation were 0.1, 0.0, −0.2, −0.3, −0.1, and −0.3 at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexio...