Correlation between preoperative and postoperative knee kinematics in total knee arthroplasty using cruciate retaining designs

The authors evaluated the relationships between preoperative and postoperative kinematics in 50 osteoarthritic knees scheduled for cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty with regards to posterior femoral roll back and external femoral rotation using a navigation system from 10° to 120° of knee flexion. Although posterior femoral roll back was maintained, external femoral rotation was significantly decreased compared to those of the preoperative knee after total knee arthroplasty. However, the amount of posterior roll back and external femoral rotation after total knee arthroplasty were found to be significantly positively related to those measured preoperatively ( r = 0.62 and 0.57, respectively). These significant kinematic correlations may explain why preoperative range of knee motion influences range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.