ABSTRACT
Knee swelling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is common and can lead to loss of functional performance. The aim of this study was to reveal the factors related to knee swelling after TKA. In total, 86 patients who underwent unilateral TKA were enrolled. Changes in thigh circumference at 0, 5, and 10 cm proximal from upper pole of the patella were evaluated. In addition, age, body mass index, operation time, blood loss volume, C-reactive protein, albumin, and D-dimer levels, and changes in knee flexion were also assessed preoperatively and at 7 days postoperatively. Thigh circumference at all sites increased postoperatively. Changes in thigh circumference at the superior edge of the patella correlated with changes in knee flexion (r =－0.33, p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the other factors. In conclusion, this study revealed a correlation between swelling and flexion after TKA, but no correlation between other factors pre-, intra-, or postoperatively. It is thus necessary to consider other factors in the future.