How Prevalent is Stiffness after Knee Replacement?
In a review of the literature, the authors state that stiffness occurs in roughly 6% of cases, making it the most common knee replacement surgery complication. How is Stiffness Defined? The researchers reveal that what is perceived as “stiffness” following knee replacement has evolved over time. Several years ago, a knee was considered stiff if the patient could not extend their knee beyond 25 degrees of flexion (that is, a flexion contracture of 25 degrees) or if the full arc of motion was less than 45 degrees. More recently, as surgical technique and implant design have improved and as younger, more active patients receive implants, expectations have changed. Today, stiffness has been defined as a flexion contracture equal to or greater than only 10 degrees or an arc of motion less than 95 degrees. The authors note that this degree of motion is what is required for common activities of daily living (walking, sitting, stair climbing). Practically speaking, a joint can be considered “s
