What Causes Limited Range of Motion in the Knee After Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a last resort for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, as it involves removing the inflamed and damaged joint. However, even after this procedure, many patients experience limited range of motion (ROM) in their knee. This can be attributed to several factors.

One major cause of limited ROM in the knee after surgery is the deterioration of the bones in the knee joint. Severe osteoarthritis can lead to deformities, which further limit knee flexibility. According to studies, 80% of patients with osteoarthritis experience a limited ROM.

Before surgery, patients' knee range of motion may be limited by pain, swelling, and misalignment. For example, some individuals may only be able to flex their knee up to 115º when sitting cross-legged or riding a bike. This can make everyday activities, such as getting up from a seated position (95º) or retrieving an object from the ground (70º), challenging.

Measuring Knee Flexion

Knee range of motion is typically measured in degrees of flexion. A fully bent knee will measure 135º of flexion, while a fully extended knee will measure 0º. However, most patients aim to achieve a ROM between 105º and 110º, which enables them to complete daily activities.

Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery

To recover from knee replacement surgery, it is essential to regain the full range of movement in your knee. This includes not only flexion but also abduction (moving away from the center of the body) and adduction (moving toward the center of the body).

Improving Knee ROM after Surgery

Regaining knee ROM after surgery requires dedication to exercises that may be painful, but the benefits are worth the effort. Patients will need to complete exercises at home and in physical therapy sessions to meet specific milestones. With time and practice, individuals can regain their full range of motion and enjoy a better quality of life.

Limited range of motion in the knee after surgery is a common issue, often caused by deterioration of bones in the knee joint or misalignment before surgery. By understanding the measurements of knee flexion and working to improve ROM through exercises, patients can regain their full range of movement and enjoy better knee health.

Range of motion knee flexion