Prediction of the need for manipulation under anesthesia for flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty in patients of advanced age

Objective This study was performed to develop a prediction model for requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients of advanced age. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 269 patients of advanced age undergoing primary TKA in one center with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients who underwent postoperative MUA had flexion contracture of >10 degrees after 4 weeks of postoperative rehabilitation, and their demographic data and preoperative clinical conditions [knee diagnosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lumbar spinal disorders, hip disorders, ankle disorders, knee deformity (varus/valgus), preoperative flexion contracture (PFC), range of motion (ROM), and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score] were compared with those of patients without MUA. All preoperative factors were collected to develop the predictive model. Results Thirty patients underwent MUA. Patients who underwent MUA after surgery had significant differences in PFC, higher HSS knee scores before surgery (59.10 +/- 7.22 vs. 55.70 +/- 13.09), and lower preoperative ROM (81.57 +/- 30.86 vs. 95.47 +/- 24.36) than those who did not undergo MUA. Conclusion A prediction model for MUA in advanced-age patients with flexion contracture was developed and mainly consisted of preoperative risk factors including PFC, HSS scores, and ROM.