Postoperative Range of Motion Does Not Correlate with Patient Reported Outcome Scores in Asians after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Activities in Asian cultures require greater knee flexion. However, this study hypothesized that post-operative range of motion (ROM) does not correlate with patient reported outcome scores at 2 years. 292 TKAs were evaluated at a public hospital in Singapore from January 2006 to May 2009. The relationship between ROM and outcome scores was examined using a multiple linear regression model with Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) allowing adjustment for confounders and repeated TKAs within a patient. Analysis did not yield statistically significant results when patients' post-op ROM was correlated with outcome scores at 2 years. Lack of post op ROM does not translate into poorer outcome scores and dissatisfaction. Doctors can now counsel patients who are concerned about a lack of ROM after TKA.