Utilization of a Knee Brace With Extension Swing

Utilization of a Knee Brace With Extension Swing Assist Peri-operatively to Prevent Flexion Contractures and Improves Quadriceps Strength After Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

The purpose of this research is to help determine if use of the Guardian brace during prehab and post-op rehab after TKA can help improve functional outcomes and reduce the incidence of post-operative flexion contractures which reduce knee range of motion after surgery.

This will be a prospective study with consecutive TKA patients with pre-operative flexion contractures of 5 degrees or greater. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: 1) use of the Guardian knee brace peri-operatively, and 2) no Guardian brace use.

Pre-operative range of motion (ROM) and leg strength will be tested (4 to 6 weeks pre-operatively and the week before surgery) as well as during the recovery period at 6 weeks and 3 months post-operatively. The study will attempt to quantify quadriceps and hamstring strength using a Medical Engineering TKR2000, which can digitally measure quadriceps and hamstring strength with accuracy equivalent to a Biodex Dynanometer. The TKR2000 also accurately measures terminal flexion and extension of the lower extremity. Pre- and post-operative patient reported outcome measures (KOOS JR. score) will also be collected.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients ≥18 years of age
• Surgical candidates undergoing primary TKA
• Surgical candidates with pre-operative flexion contracture of 10 degrees or greater
• Patient is willing to cooperate and follow study protocol and visit schedule

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient is pregnant
• Patient is unable to provide written consent
• Patient has psychiatric disorder that precludes safe study participation
• Patients with a prior history of surgery in the affected knee
• Vulnerable patient populations