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Step descent strategy is altered bilaterally despite unilateral muscle strength impairment after total knee arthroplasty

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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

Muscle weakness and difficulty descending stairs are common after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the relationship between each is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity muscle strength, lower extremity support moments during step descent, and assess relationships between each.

Methods

The study included 40 subjects (20 post-TKA, 20 control). Knee extensor, hip abductor, and hip external rotator strength were measured and biomechanical analyses of step descent performed. Patients with TKA were assessed 3 and 6 months post-surgery.

Results

At 3 and 6 months post-TKA, operated limb hip external rotator and knee extensor strength were impaired compared to the non-operated limb (p < 0.01); however, no between-limb differences were observed during step descent. Compared to the control group, hip external rotator and knee extensor strength, total lower extremity support moment, and knee support moment during step descent were impaired post-TKA (p < 0.05). At 6 months post-TKA, knee extensor and hip external rotator strength correlated with total support moment during step descent (rs = 0.40, 0.41, p < 0.02). Hip abductor and external rotator strength negatively correlated with knee support moment during step descent (rs = − 0.35, − 0.39, p < 0.03).

Conclusions

Persistent operative limb knee extensor and hip external rotator muscle weakness are noted following unilateral TKA. Despite unilateral weakness, bilateral alterations in step descent strategy occur following TKA. Patients with TKA utilize hip musculature to reduce knee muscle demand during step descent, possibly contributing to limitations in long-term step descent performance.

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Abbreviations

TKA:

Total knee arthroplasty

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Acknowledgements

Research reported in the publication was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health [grant number TL1TR000115]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Funding

Research reported in the publication was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (grant number TL1TR000115). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

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Author notes

  1. Paul W. Kline

    Present address: Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado Denver, MS C244, 13121 E 17th Ave, Room 3106, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rehabilitation Sciences Program, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, 900 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40536-0200, USA

    Paul W. Kline, Cale A. Jacobs, Stephen T. Duncan & Brian Noehren

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 125 E. Maxwell Street, Suite 201, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA

    Cale A. Jacobs, Stephen T. Duncan & Brian Noehren

  3. Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Room 204D Wethington Building, 900 South Limestone St, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Brian Noehren

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Contributions

All authors have made substantial contributions to the study. The study was conceptualized by all authors (PK, CJ, SD, BN). Data were acquired and curated by PK and BN, analyzed and interpreted by all authors (PK, CJ, SD, BN). PK drafted the initial manuscript with CJ, SD, and BN each providing critical review for subsequent versions. Lastly, all authors have approved this version of the manuscript to be submitted.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul W. Kline.

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Conflict of interest

CJ and SD receive research support for projects unrelated to this manuscript from Smith & Nephew, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet. CJ also receives research support for unrelated projects from Aesculap and Medtronic. SD is a paid consultant for Smith & Nephew. PK and BN have no potential conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval

Institutional Review Board approval provided by the University of Kentucky (14-0753-F2L).

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Kline, P.W., Jacobs, C.A., Duncan, S.T. et al. Step descent strategy is altered bilaterally despite unilateral muscle strength impairment after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 28, 1508–1515 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-019-05554-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-019-05554-8

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