Effect of Postoperative Edema on Proprioception in The Early Period After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Aim: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) further increases edema and proprioception losses. We aimed to investigate the effect of postoperative edema after TKA on the loss of proprioception, which adversely affects the quality of life and levels of independence.
Material and Method: Demographic information of 35 volunteer participants with an average age of 65.54±6.37 years who were in the first month after TKA was recorded. Pain, postoperative edema, and proprioception measurements were assessed. Circumference measurements were converted to volumetric form using the Frustum formula. An Angle-Reproduction test was used to measure proprioception at 40° and 60° knee flexion.
Results: The participants’ postoperative edema and proprioception loss were statistically determined (p≤0.05). Volumes above the patella and total volume both affected knee proprioception at 40° knee flexion (p≤0.05). Nevertheless, postoperative edema did not affect 60° knee flexion proprioception (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study reveals that postoperative edema affects proprioception in the early period after TKA. Reducing postoperative edema is of primary importance in the physiotherapy programs planned after TKA.