LOWER LIMB KINETICS AND QUADRICEPS ACTIVATION FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY WITH THE MEDIAL PIVOT KNEE DURING LEVEL AND INCLINE WALKING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare gait patterns and quadriceps muscle activity of patients with a Medial Pivot knee to that of healthy, age-matched individuals. Five total knee arthroplasty patients and five age-matched control participants performed a minimum of three walking trials on both level and inclined surfaces, during which lower limb kinetics, kinematics, and muscle activity were recorded. Patients exhibited increased hip and knee extension moments, as well as increased knee flexion and peak power during stance phase of gait, corresponding with increased activation of the vastus medialis. Findings indicate that patients continue to compensate with the non-operative limb at more than 6-months after surgery, while the vastus medialis plays a key role in stabilizing the knee.