Dynamic joint stiffness and co-contraction in subjects after total knee arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although total knee arthroplasty reduces pain and improves function, patients continue to walk with asymmetrical movement patterns, that may affect muscle activation and joint loading patterns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specific biomechanical abnormalities that persist after total knee arthroplasty and examine the neuromuscular mechanisms that may contribute to these asymmetries.

Methods

Dynamic joint stiffness at the hip, knee and ankle, as well as co-contraction at the knee and ankle, were compared between the operated and non-operated limbs of 32 subjects who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 21 subjects without lower extremity impairment.

Findings

Subjects after total knee arthroplasty demonstrated higher dynamic joint stiffness

SUBMITTER: McGinnis K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3604158 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature