Changes in quadriceps strength after TKA are not nearly as well studied as changes in knee pain and ROM.
A shortage of information regarding quadriceps weakness is surprising, as it is a hallmark impairment in knee OA.
The disability associ-ated with knee OA has been linked to many factors, but weakness of the quadriceps muscle is considered one of the single most important predictors of disability.
Surgical procedures used in TKA involve trauma to the extensor mechanism and preoperative quadriceps weakness is dramatically compounded in early postoperative assessments.
In fact, substantial residual quadriceps weakness has been found years
after surger y.
Enduring weakness in the quadriceps muscle appears to be a prime factor related to residual postoperative disability.
Recent studies report that average knee flexion ROM after TKA ranges from 105° to
113°.
This ROM should provide adequate mobility to perform the majority of tasks of daily
living.