FUNCTION AND STRENGTH OF PHYSICALLY ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS WITH A UNILATERAL, SINGLE-AXIS KNEE REPLACEMENT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Only recently could total knee replacement (TKR) individuals participate in many activities that place high stress on the knee region, e.g., golf. To enhance physical functioning, TKR components must be able to provide optimal leverage for the quadriceps to generate extensor torque, a-p stability when the cruciate ligaments are sacrificed, and varusvalgus stability via adequate medial and lateral collateral tension throughout the (Range of Motion) ROM. The use of a single flexion/extension (F/E) axis TKR design rather than a multiaxial TKR design has been theorized to accomplish these goals. Therefore, for this work in progress, it was of interest to determine for physically active individuals if the strength and function of the limb with a unilateral, single-axis TKR would be different to that of the intact limb.