There are concerns that total infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) excision in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results in patellar tendon shortening due to ischemic contracture. But, individual preference of the surgeon is still the main determinant between total or partial excision. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare knee society score (KSS), knee extension and flexion peak torque in patients undergoing TKA with total IPFP excision or partial IPFP excision. The hypothesis of the study is that during TKA, total IPFP excision would lead to worse isokinetic performance and clinical outcome. A total of 72 patients scheduled to undergo TKA for primary osteoarthritis of the knee by a single surgeon were randomly assigned to either the total or partial excision group. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative 1 year, with Knee Society Score (KSS) and isokinetic measurements. Physiatrist doing isokinetic tests and patients were blinded to the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
72
Exposure for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) commonly includes total excision of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP). The rationale behind this is to obtain improved access to the lateral tibial plateau allowing a more accurate bone cut, baseplate placement and easier management of soft tissue interposition in the bone and cement interface. However, there is growing concern that as the IPFP is a highly vascularized and innervated fibrous adipose tissue filling the anterior compartment of the knee, its complete excision may have a detrimental effect on knee biomechanics and ultimately, TKA outcome. The reason for this effect has been suggested to be patellar tendon (PT) scarring and shortening via ischemic contracture following impaired vascularization, maintenance and biological repair of the tendon.
It has been suggested in the literature that partial infrapatellar fat pad excision instead of total excision would diminish the potential negative effect on patellar tendon and knee biomechanics. However, there is only limited data in the literature and choice of total/partial infrapatellar fat pad excision in TKA remains debatable.
Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital
Aksaray, Turkey (Türkiye)
Peak knee extensor torque change from baseline to postoperative 12 months
Change in peak knee extensor torque from baseline (preoperatively) to 12 months post implantation was evaluated for the operated knee under the supervision of the same physiatrist. The Isokinetic measurements were performed using a Biodex System III Isokinetic Dynamometer, version 3.03 (Biodex Medical Inc.,Shirley, NY, USA). Concentric isokinetic knee flexion-extensions were assessed at a preset velocity of 60º/sec, over a range of motion of 0º to 110º for both parameters. A fixed number of 10 flexion-extension repetitions was completed by each patient. Torque was assessed in Newton-meters (N m).
Time frame: Preoperative - Postoperative 12 months
Peak knee flexor torque change from baseline to postoperative 12 months
Change in peak knee flexor torque from baseline (preoperatively) to 12 months post implantation was evaluated for the operated knee under the supervision of the same physiatrist. The Isokinetic measurements were performed using a Biodex System III Isokinetic Dynamometer, version 3.03 (Biodex Medical Inc.,Shirley, NY, USA). Concentric isokinetic knee flexion-extensions were assessed at a preset velocity of 60º/sec, over a range of motion of 0º to 110º for both parameters. A fixed number of 10 flexion-extension repetitions was completed by each patient. Torque was assessed in Newton-meters (N m).
Time frame: Preoperative - Postoperative 12 months
Knee Society Score (KSS) change from baseline to postoperative 12 months
Change in the Knee Society Score from baseline (preoperatively) to 12 months post implantation was evaluated. The Knee Society Score (KSS) is comprised to two sections (each worth 100 points) for a maximum 200 points. One section is the Knee Society Clinical Score (KSCS) - points are given for pain, motion, and stability and points are deducted for flexion contracture, extension lag, and misalignment. The other section is the Knee Society Functional Score (KSFS) - points are assigned for walking distances and climbing stairs and points are deducted for use of walking aids. For each section, a score of 80-100 = excellent, 70-79 = good; 60-69 = fair; and \< 60 = poor.
Time frame: Preoperative - Postoperative 12 months
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