Characterizing muscular coordination disorders in patients after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty by means of EMG mapping. Question

Question: Disorders of coordination, strength and proprioception are freque ntly described after surgery of the knee joint. These muscular coordination disorders have not yet been studied sufficiently. The purpose of this stud y was the objective-quantitative characterization of muscular coordination disorders of the M. quadriceps femoris by means of EMG mapping in the arthr otic knee joint and their progress after the implantation of a total knee a rthroplasty and after in-patient. rehabilitation. Methods: The extent and p attern of activation (EMG mapping) of the M. quadriceps femoris were invest igated by means of a 16-channel EMG technique in 38 patients before and aft er the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (type LCS). Results: EMG m apping permited an objective-quantitative characterization of the extent an d pattern of activation in the M. quadriceps femoris before and after the i mplantation of a total knee arthroplasty and therefore the objectivation of muscular coordination disorders. Muscular coordination disorders were pres ent already before surgery and were also caused by the implantation of a to tal knee arthroplasty. These coordination disorders can be improved by an i npatient rehabilitation. Conclusions: The development of exercise programs adequate for everyday life is necessary to remove quickly and actually the demonstrated coordination disorders.