Total Knee Arthroplasty Biomechanics

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the primary treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis and effectively relieves pain and improves function after surgery. Nevertheless, as many as 1 in 5 patients are dissatisfied with the postoperative outcome, and knee instability remains one of the top indications for revision surgery. Implant design, soft tissue balance, neuromuscular capabilities, and rehabilitation strategies can all influence postoperative outcomes. However, the relationship between these factors and the most effective therapeutic approach for total knee arthroplasty has yet to be identified. The investigators will study preoperative and postoperative functional measures and patient satisfaction along with implant design and specific intraoperative data, which may help inform a targeted approach for optimal outcomes after total knee arthroplasty and improve future care of patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients requiring unilateral TKA for knee osteoarthritis
• No osteoarthritis symptoms in contralateral knee
• Radiographic coronal deformity ≤ 15°
• Preoperative flexion ≥ 90°
• Receiving one of four implants used by UF Orthopaedic surgeons
• Able to walk for a short distance without the use of ambulatory aids
• Healthy Participants:

• Age 49-85 years
• Healthy with no signs or symptoms of lower limb arthritis or injury
• Able to walk for a short distance without the use of ambulatory aids

Exclusion criteria

• BMI > 40 kg/m2
• Presence of knee, hip, or ankle prosthesis for either limb
• Presence of hip prosthesis in surgical limb (TKA only subjects)
• History of lower limb or spinal surgery within the last year
• Presence of neurologic or orthopaedic disorders that could affect gait or balance
• Chronic opioid or illicit drug use
• Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1C > 7 percent)
• Chronic pain syndrome
• Chronic back pain
• Presence of vestibular disorder
• Pregnancy