Comparison of functional recovery of the knee following total knee arthroplasty in patients with and without ankle symptoms.

Abstract

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore motion and alleviate pain, enabling patients to return to daily activities. Despite advances in implants, surgery, and perioperative care, patient dissatisfaction rates remain significant.

Aim: To determine whether ankle symptoms are associated with inferior results of functional recovery of the knee following TKA.

Methods: This prospective study included all patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis who underwent a primary unilateral TKA between August 2019 and December 2019 with data documented by the treating surgeon and outpatient physical therapists. Patients were categorized based on ankle symptoms using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score: (1) Group 1 (AOFAS ≤ 85, n = 30); and (2) Group 2 (AOFAS > 85, n = 49). Active range of motion (ROM), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared between two groups.

Results: Postoperative KOOS, ROM, and VAS significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.001). However, at three months, KOOS (P = 0.02) and extension motion (P = 0.01) improvements were significantly greater in group 2.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that preoperative ankle symptoms may negatively impact early knee functional recovery, particularly in KOOS scores and extension motion.