Total Fat Pad Excision Leads to Worse Isokinetic Performance in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total Infrapatellar Fat Pad Excision Leads to Worse Isokinetic Performance in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 55 and 80 years
• Scheduled to undergo unilateral TKA on for primary knee osteoarthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inflammatory arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Previous knee surgery
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Bilateral TKA
• Insufficiency of collateral ligaments