Reorganization of equilibrium and movement control strategies after total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

This work was aimed at identifying changes in posturomotor control strategies in patients with unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Using kinetic and kinematic data, a previous study had revealed that, during a side step, patients with unilateral knee arthritis showed a shortened monopodal phase and a lengthened postural phase when the affected leg was the supporting one. It was expected that these strategies would be modified after undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Postoperatively the durations of the monopodal phase and of the postural phase became similar when the operated limb was supporting and when the sound limb was supporting. Concerning the upper body movements, the same asymmetrical results as before surgery were observed. Hence, patients with total knee arthroplasty exhibit posturomotor strategies which, although they become close to normal, remain asymmetrical. The durations of the monopodal and of the postural phases could be considered to assess the results of total knee arthroplasty.