SQUATTING FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

This prospective study was performed to investigate whether postoperat ive alternate flexion and extension splinting (daily change in positio n of immobilization by splinting) was useful in restoring full range o f motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty as compared with continuo us passive motion. The alternate flexion and extension splinting group and the continuous passive motion group were each composed of 34 knee s. Final ROM was measured at an average of 3.5 years postoperatively, Squatting was possible in 31 knees (45.6%) of the alternate flexion an d extension splinting group. The postoperative ROM of the osteoarthrit ic knees (131.8 degrees +/- 12.3 degrees) was significantly greater th an that of the rheumatoid knees (121.9 degrees +/- 22.4 degrees) (p < 0.05). The postoperative ROM of the alternate flexion and extension sp linting group (135.1 degrees +/- 11.9 degrees) also was significantly greater than that of the continuous passive motion group (120.0 degree s +/- 19.7 degrees) (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant relationship between the posterior slope of tibial cutting and the po stoperative ROM. It is suggested that alternate flexion and extension splinting is effective in restoring full ROM after total knee arthropl asty.