Is Isokinetic Testing an Indicator of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Is Isokinetic Knee Muscle Strength an Indicator of Total Knee Arthroplasty

In this study, investigators analyzed whether the isokinetic knee muscle strength of patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a predictor for surgery.

Patients and Methods: In total, 29 unilateral TKA candidates (58 knees; mean age = 66.69 ± 7.42 years; mean symptom duration = 10 ± 5.40 years) were enrolled. The knees of patients with bilateral advanced knee osteoarthritis (stage 3 or 4), according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L scale), that were scheduled for unilateral TKA were divided into surgical and non-surgical groups. An isokinetic testing system was used to assess knee flexor and extensor muscle strength (peak torque) at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s (five cycles per velocity). The radiological (X-ray-based K-L scale and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based quadriceps angle) and clinical findings (isokinetic test and visual analog scale pain scores) in both groups were compared. The isokinetic test results correlated with the radiological findings of the surgery group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of advanced (Kellgren-Lawrence stage 3 or 4) bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA).
• Unilateral total knee replacement surgery recommended by orthopedics according to pain status

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological diseases that could affect knee muscle strength
• Rheumatological diseases
• Diagnosis of osteoarthritis below 3 according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification