Comparison of the Clinical and Radiographic Results between 125° and 130° Caput-Collum-Diaphyseal Angle Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation II in Patients with Intertrochanteric Fracture

Purpose@#This study compared the clinical and radiographic results of two proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNA-II) angled by 125° and 130° in patients with intertrochanteric fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#From March in 2015 to September in 2016, 65 patients who underwent a closed reduction and internal fixation with PFNA-II for a femoral intertrochanteric fracture were evaluated retrospectively. The minimum follow-up period was two years. Of those, 30 and 35 patients underwent 125° angled PFNA-II and 130° angled PFNA-II, respectively. The clinical performance was evaluated using the Harris hip score, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthrtis Index), and UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) score. Radiographic analyses were performed using standardized anteroposterior and lateral radiographs to assess the implant position and quality of reduction. The blade length, distance between the blade tip and the tip of the greater trochanter, and distance between the blade tip and the most lateral protrusion point of the greater trochanter in the two groups were measured and compared. @*Results@#The clinical results, including the Harris hip score, WOMAC, and UCLA, were similar in the two groups at the last follow-up postoperatively. In the radiography evaluation, the implant position, quality of reduction, and the blade length were similar in the two groups. The distances between the blade tip and the tip of the greater trochanter were 52.60±3.53 mm and 58.07±5.54 mm in the 125° angled PFNA-II and 130° angled PFNA-II groups, respectively. The distance between the blade tip and the most lateral protrusion point of greater trochanter were 16.48±2.54 mm and 21.19±4.43 mm in the 125° angled PFNA-II and 130° angled PFNA-II groups, respectively. The differences were significant (p=0.031, p=0.012). @*Conclusion@#The operation with the 125° angled PFNA-II showed a more superior and lateral position of the blade than that with the 130° angled PFNA-II. Nevertheless, lateral thigh pain can occur when the blade is positioned superolaterally.

Long-term Outcomes of Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis at a Minimum Follow-up of 10 Years / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of cemented total hip arthroplasty in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 12 patients (16 cases) diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis undergoing total hip arthroplasty with cemented femoral stem from November 2002 to January 2006 with a minimum follow up of 10 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Scores and measures of pain and range of motion. Radiologic outcomes were assessed with serial plain X-ray. Fixation and stability of implant, enthesopathy of ischium and development of heterotopic ossification were also evaluated. RESULTS: Mean Harris Hip Scores significantly improved from pre-operative levels (58 points; range, 39–81 points) to post-operative (92 points; range, 68–100 points). Mean flexion contracture levels decreased from preoperative (13°) to post-operative (5°), and mean post-operative range of motion improved 106° compared to preoperative levels. No newly developed osteolysis lesions or implant loosening were observed in last follow up X-rays. One heterotopic ossification and one greater trochanter fracture were observed. Greater trochanter fracture was treated conservatively, and was resulted in bony union. No patients underwent revisions. CONCLUSION: This study revealed positive long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes following total hip arthroplasty with cemented femoral stems in patients with ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Comparison of Short-Term Complications of General and Spinal Anesthesia for Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To compare the occurrences of perioperative complications of two anesthetic techniques (general anesthesia [GA] and spinal anesthesia [SA] in patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA due to osteoarthritis from January 2005 to January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups: GA (n=490) and SA (n=746). The operation duration, length of perioperative stay in the operation room and occurrences of adverse events in postoperative 30 days (mean, 29.7±3.1 days) were compared. Before multivariate linear or logistic regression analysis, different baseline characteristics were adjusted in the statistical models. RESULTS: There were significant intergroup differences in mean age (GA, 68.4±7.2 years; SA, 70.7±7.5 years; p<0.001) and mCCI (GA, 3±1.4; SA, 3.2±1.5; p<0.001). The GA group required longer preoperative room time (+9.4 minutes; p<0.001), postoperative room time (+12.7 minutes; p<0.001), and postoperative hospital stay (+2.5 days; p=0.001) and had more surgical site infections (5 [1%] vs. 0 [0%]; p=0.005) and blood transfusion (205 [41.8%] vs. 262 [35.1%]; p=0.01). No differences in operative duration and other adverse events were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We should cautiously consider that GA may be associated with slightly increased preoperative and postoperative room times, postoperative hospital stay, transfusion and surgical site infection rates in primary unilateral TKA.

Incidences of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Mechanical Compression Device with and without Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of thromboembolic events and complications related to bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a mechanical compression device alone or in combination with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 489 TKA patients (776 knees) were retrospectively reviewed for the incidence of thromboembolic events and complications related to bleeding. While 233 patients (354 knees) were treated with a mechanical compressive device without LMWH, 256 patients (422 knees) were treated with the mechanical compressive device along with LMWH. RESULTS: The incidences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were 15 of 375 knees (4.0%) and 5 of 375 knees (1.3%), respectively, in the group that used only a mechanical compressive device, and 14 of 401 knees (3.4%) and 5 of 401 knees (1.2%), respectively, in the group that used the mechanical compressive device with LMWH. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.125 and p=0.146, respectively). The postoperative hemovac drainage amount was 635±57 mL in the group with a mechanical compressive device only and 813±84 mL in the group with the device and LMWH; therefore, the amount of drainage was significantly greater in the latter group (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical compression alone for prophylaxis against DVT and PE after TKA can be an attractive option in Korean patients.

Complication Rate and Clinical Result of One-Week Interval Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Compared to Simultaneous and Several-Months Interval Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical results and the rates of complication among three groups that received the simultaneous total knee replacement (TKR), one-week interval staged bilateral TKR, or several-months interval staged TKR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who had been diagnosed with bilateral degenerative osteoarthritis undergoing bilateral TKR from 2004 May to 2012 March. We divided patients into three groups which received simultaneous TKR (Group A, n=84), one-week interval staged bilateral TKR (Group B, n=124), or several-months interval staged TKR (Group C, n=65). Hospital for special surgery (HSS) score and the rate of complication were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Mean postoperative HSS score showed significant improvement in the three groups. No difference in postoperative HSS was observed among the three groups (p=0.325). The complication rate in Group A was lower than that in Group B (p=0.049) and that in Group A was similar to that in Group C (p=0.786). CONCLUSION: Group A had a better result than Group B and was similar to Group C in complication rate. One-week interval staged TKR can be good choice in patients with bilateral degenerative osteoarthritis.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Subsequent Hip Fractures in Korea: Multicenter Study

This study analyzes the incidence of subsequent hip fractures and its risk factors in the northwestern region of Korea. We analyzed hip fracture patients who visited any of the 5 teaching hospitals in the Bucheon and Incheon area from January 2000 to December 2010. Medical records were reviewed and presence of subsequent hip fractures, alcohol history, marital status, live in solitude, dementia, dizziness, American society of anesthesiologists score, osteoporosis treatment after fracture, body mass index (BMI) and initial bone mineral density were analyzed. The average follow-up period was 12 months (range 1-130 months). A total of 2,546 patients (women 1,770, men 776) who had experienced hip fractures were included. Of these, subsequent hip fractures were found in 233 patients (9.2%) (women 187, men 46). Mean age at the time of the first fracture was 79.2 yr old (range 50-100 yr). The average interval between the first fracture and the subsequent hip fractures was 30.2 months (range 4 days-154 months). In this large-scale, retrospective, multicenter study, overall incidence of subsequent hip fractures is 9.2%. Independent risk factors of subsequent fracture are women, BMI<22 kg/m2, and being unmarried.

Preliminary Study for a Multicenter Study of Alzheimer's Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of amyloid beta protein 1-42 (Abeta42), phosphorylated tau (pTau) and total tau (tTau) have been increasing in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the direct adoption of previously reported standard values is not appropriate due to interlaboratory variability. We started this study to set up an accessible system to measure CSF biomarkers in our country with high reproducibility and validity. METHODS: Including CSFs from four different institutes the levels of Abeta42, pTau181 and tTau were measured in one lab. The intertest variability and difference in the levels of biomarkers depending on diseases were assessed. Through analysis of receiver operating characteristic cut points and binary logistic regression the cut-off values of Abeta42, pTau and tTau level were obtained, and their validity was evaluated. RESULTS: The intertest consistency was high in measuring CSF biomarkers. The value of Abeta42 was markedly decreased in AD (n= 17) and other dementia (n= 9) compared to normal control (n= 12). The levels of pTau181 and tTau were high in AD, but not in other dementia and normal control. The threshold values of Abeta42, pTau181 and tTau were 290.3 pg/mL, 54.3 pg/mL, and 320.7 pg/mL in differentiating AD from normal control showing high sensitivity and specificity. Especially, the ratios of pTau181/Abeta42 (> 0.16) and tTau/Abeta42 (> 0.76) showed the prime validity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data of CSF Abeta42, pTau181, and tTau levels were highly reproducible. PTau181/Abeta42 and tTau/Abeta42 ratios were the greatly helpful in differentiating AD from normal control.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Clinical Result and Life Quality after Total Hip Arthroplasty of Patients Who Were Femur Head Avascular Necrosis / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined the association between the pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and the post total hip replacement arthroplasty result, as well as postoperative change in the life quality of patients diagnosed with femur head avascular necrosis (AVN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with femur head AVN undergoing total hiparthroplasty (THA) with a ceramic-ceramic articular surface from March 2005 to May 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. The Harris hip score (HHS), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) score, radiological examination, and complications at two years or longer after THA in the 4 groups were analyzed in terms of the BMI (underweight group, normal weight group, overweight group, and obesity group). RESULTS: The normal body weight group showed the best result(94.36+/-7.51) in all scores but the difference was not significant. In the SF-36 physical scores, obese group showed the greatest improvement. Complications occurred frequently in the underweight(50%) and obese groups(19.5%). In particular, periprosthetic fractures (P=0.002) and pneumonia (P=0.005) occurred frequently in the underweight group. CONCLUSION: The impacts of obesity and underweight on the clinical outcome after surgery are insignificant but patients with an abnormal BMI can expect a high quality of life after surgery.

The Effect of Electrocautery around the Patellar Rim in Patellar Non-Resurfacing Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of electrocautery on the reduction of pain in patellar non-resurfacing bilateral total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients were enrolled into this study; all patients had undergone bilateral patellar non-resurfacing total knee arthoplasty at our hospital, between January 2007 to December 2008. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. The electrocautery of the patellar rim was performed randomly on one side only. The clinical results were evaluated between the electrocautery group and the non-electrocautery group based on measures of anterior knee pain, range of motion, American Knee Society clinical rating score, Feller knee score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities score, and radiographic analysis. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative status for all parameters. There were no statistically significant differences noted between the electrocautery group and the non electrocautery group for all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Electrocautery of patellar rim is thought to be less effective in reducing anterior knee pain.

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Neurovascular Injury after Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a relatively common complication of total hip arthroplasty. DVT can accompany symptoms of pain and swelling of the lower leg, and can lead to fatal pulmonary thromboembolism. Surgical procedure is a primary risk factor, and obesity, medical status of disease, or patient's factors could be related. Diagnostic modalities include venography, Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, and magnetic resonance venography. Mechanical prophylaxis, such as compression stocking and use of an intermittent pneumatic compression device or a pharmacological agent, such as Warfarin, low molecular weight heparin, thrombin inhibitors, and factor Xa inhibitor can be useful. Neurovascular injury after total hip arthroplasty is an uncommon complication, but can be disastrous and fatal. To prevent this complication, the surgeon must be well acquainted with the anatomy and proper surgical skill is needed.

Partial Rupture of Semitendinosus Muscle at Satba (Thigh Band) Wearing Area in a Ssireum Athlete / 대한정형외과학회잡지

High load is concentrated on Satba wearing area of Ssireum athletes during the tournament. Muscular injuries in this area may seriously affect the athletic performance. We report a case of a 21-year-old Ssireum athlete who was experiencing pain in his left thigh (Satba wearing area) during a tournament due to the migrating mass effect of a partial ruptured semitendinosus muscle occurred approximately 6 months before. Herein is described the clinical results after surgical intervention with an added review of the relevant literature.

Distal Radius Fractures Using Acu-Loc Volar Plate

OBJECTIVE: We determined the radiographic outcome of distal radius fractures with Acu-loc volar plate. METHODS: Forty-one patients were recruited between August 2009 and September 2010. There were 10 males and 31 females, with a mean age 61.2. Fractures were radiologically classification the Frykman. Fifteen fractures were group 8, eight were group 7, ten were group 6, four were group 5 and four were group 3. Distal part of the fractures was dorsally inclined in 37 wrists and inclined to volar side in four wrists. Lateral and anteroposterior radiographs taken after operated day, the fracture were compared with radiographs of the injured wrist and the differences in palmar tilt, ulnar variance; radial height; radial shift and radial inclination were measured. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in the measurements of radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance and radial shift postoperatively. The radial height improved from an average of 8.5 mm (range, 3 to 15 mm) to 11.0 mm (range, 8 to 15 mm), the radial inclination improved from an average of 21.5 degree (range, 10 to 40 degree) to 28.1 degree (range, 19 to 44 degree), the palma tilt improved from an average of 12.9 degree (range, 6 to 22 degree) to 17.2 degree (range, 7 to 27 degree), the ulnar variance improved from an average of -2.3 mm (range, -6 to 4 mm) to 1 mm (range, -3 to 7 mm) and the radial shift improved from an average of 18.7 mm (range, 15 to 26 mm) to 17.3 mm (range, 12 to 21 mm). CONCLUSION: Acu-loc volar plate is a safe and effective device.

Patellar Clunk Syndrome with Polyethylene Wear and Medial Synovial Hypertrophy after Mobile Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Patellar clunk syndrome after total knee arthroplasty is a complication that causes pain and poping or catching of patella. We experienced a case after mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty that medial synovial tissue was impinged between patella and femoral component and intra-articular fibrotic nodule of superior pole of patella was observed. Also, wear of Polyethylene were observed at anterio side. We resolved the patient symptom after excision of fibrotic nodule, synovectomy of medial synovial hypertrophy, and change of polyethylene. We report this case with literature review.

Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearing Total Hip Arthroplasty: Five-Year Midterm Follow-up Results

PURPOSE: We believe that cemented femoral stems will relieve the stiffness of ceramic-based bearings, resulting in reduced complication of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm effect of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing THA using cemented femoral stems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 32cases (30 patients) of THA using ceramic-on-ceramic bearing cemented femoral stems and 33 cases (31 patients) of THA using ceramic-on-ceramic bearing cementless femoral stems. All total hip arthroplasties were performed between January 2004 and December 2005 and were followed up for more than 5 years. The clinical results and radiographic results were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean HHS improved from points pre-operatively to points at the last follow-up in both the cemented and cementless stem groups (P<0.05). The mean WOMAC score also improved from points pre-operatively to points at the last follow-up in both the cemented and cementless stem groups (P<0.05). But no statistically significant difference was noted between the cemented and cementless stem groups in HHS and WOMAC scores (P=0.304, P=0.769). There were 3 patients with a sense of discomfort on ambulation and 5 patients with thigh pain in the cementless stem group and no cases in the cemented stem group. There was no instance of acetabular loosening in either group. Subsidenc of the cemented femoral stem was less than 1mm in 30 cases and less than 2 mm in 2 cases. All cementless femoral stems acquired firm bony union. CONCLUSION: Midterm results showed no statistical links between ceramicon-ceramic-bearing THA using cemented femoral stems or cementless femoral stems.

An Autotransfusion Device Reduces the Amount of Allogenic Transfusion in Bilateral Sequential Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: This study examined the difference in the reduction of the amount of required allogenic transfusion after bilateral total knee arthroplasty when an autotransfusion device was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were ninety five patients who underwent sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty from January 2006 to May 2010 by one surgeon. The first group was 50 patients who did not have an autotransfusion device used and second group of 45 patients were those who had an autotransfusion device used during the postoperative period. Group 1 received allogenic blood transfusion with a standard level of postoperative hemoglobin. The group 2 patients were reinfused with as much blood as was collected by an autotransfusion suction bag and then they received allogenic blood transfusion with a standard level of postoperative hemoglobin. RESULTS: The total blood loss and amount of blood transfusion were almost the same in the two groups. The mean amount of allotransfusion was 1,270.0 mL in group 1 and 564.4 mL in group 2 and the reduced amount of allotransfusion in group 2 was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Using an autotransfusion device is a good method to reduce the mean amount of allotransfusion after bilateral sequential total knee arthroplasty.

The Effect of Conservative Treatment for the Calcific Tendinitis on Gluteus Medius Tendon / 대한스포츠의학회지

Calcific tendinitis on gluteus medius tendon of the amateur athletes were reviewed, and a study on the therapeutic effect of conservative treatment methods. From January 2003 to December 2010, among the patients who had been treated with calcific tendinitis on gluteus medius tendon, there were nine patients available to monitor more than a year as outpatients. ten cases were observed from them and were retrospectively analyzed and magnetic resonance examinations were performed in every case. All of the ten cases were initially treated with non-steroid anti-inflammatory oral doses. If a non-steroid anti-inflammatory treatment could not relieve pain or caused an aggravation of a condition, a local steroid injection was enforced. There were responses to non-steroid antiinflammatory oral doses of therapeutic methods in four cases and the time required for the symptoms to be improved was approximately 3 weeks (range: 1-3 weeks). In the remainder of six cases, conditions got worsened or did not improve even after 3 weeks. In these cases, the condition was altered for better in 3 days (range: 1-3 days) by using local steroid injections. There was no recurrence in all cases. The amateur athlete with a severe pain around his or her hip joint should be questioned with calcific tendinitis on gluteus medius tendon and differential diagnosis of hip around diseases. After calcific tendinitis was diagnosed, initial treatment was considered conserevative treatment. Although it is invasive, the initial treatment with a local steroid injection is considered to be helpful in treating amateur athletes with calcific tendinitis.

Results of Osteoporotic Treatment Drug after Periarticular Fracture of Hip

PURPOSE: The Purpose of the study is to know patients' compliance of drug treatment of osteoporosis after operation of fracture and to compare of accompanying fractures between patients who diagnosed with osteoporosis itself and had the drug treatment of osteoporosis after surgery of periarticular fracture of hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In experimental group, consecutive 60 patients who had fracture of femoral neck and trochanter. And in control group, 61 patients diagnosed osteoporosis with drug treatment within the same period in orthopedic department from July 2006 to July 2007. The average age is 73.8 (+/-6.7) year in experimental group, and 66.6 (+/-7.46) year in control group. Both groups had at least a year follow-up with drug treatment and had BMD again at least a year later. RESULTS: BMD test in experimental group showed -3.05 (+/-1.35) preoperatively and -2.74 (+/-1.50) in last follow-up. BMD test in control group showed -3.55 (+/-0.52) in initial administration and -3.10 (+/-0.87) in last follow-up. The results showed a significant improvement in statistical analysis (p=0.0002, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The compliance of drug treatment of osteoporosis after operation of periarticular fracture of hip is the same as in patients' diagnosed osteoporosis.

Cemented Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty

The use of cement in total hip replacement arthroplasty has long controversial. However, since the 1980s, osteolysis has occurred with high frequency in cementless total hip replacement arthroplasty, and has been a significant cause for loosening. Recently, a cemented femoral stem has been frequently used because of improvements in cement techniques, materials for joint arthroplasty, design, etc. Also, the use of an acetabular cup with cement seems desirable where indications are for a revision procedure or where there is an aged patient with severe osteoporosis, and where the patient requires a broad bone graft due to an acetabular bone defect. The purpose of this article was (i) to review how to fix an acetabular cup with cement and a femoral stem in current hip replacement arthroplasty procedures and (ii) to review possible directions for further development.

The Talus-1st Metatarsal Angle, the Talo-Horizontal Angle and Calcaneal Pitch Angle of Young Men in Korea / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find out the normal angles of the talus-1st metatarsal angle, the talo-horizontal angle and calcaneal pitch angle for diagnosis of foot deformity in Korea. This would be helpful as it would provide a basic angular measurement of flat and cavus foot that indicates the need for operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within a period of four months from January 2007 to April 2007, We have established 600 feet of 300 males without trauma history of foot. The source to image distance is 40 inches and erect weight bearing radiographs are obtained in anteroposterior and lateral projections. The significant angular measurements that define flat or cavus foot are the talus-1st metatarsal angle, the talo-horizontal angle and calcaneal pitch angle. RESULTS: The mean age was 21 years (19-22 years) old. The mean talus-1st metatarsal angle was 0+/-6.9degrees, the mean talo-horizontal angle was 25.8+/-4.5degrees and the mean calcaneal pitch angle was 23.9+/-5.1degrees. CONCLUSION: We can consider that mean talus-1st metatarsal angle, talo-horizontal angle and calcaneal pitch angle are 0+/-6.9degrees, 25.8+/-4.5degrees and 23.9+/-5.1degrees as an normal angle limit of young age in Korea.

Efficacy of Physiotherapist after Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The range of motion (ROM) of the knee and the satisfaction rate after total knee arthroplasty are the most important factors when evaluating the result of an operation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ROM and the functional outcome of these patients increase after joint exercise that is performed by special physiotherapists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 cases of 120 patients, who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty for osteoarthritis between August 2006 and May 2008, were enrolled in this study. These cases were randomly divided into 3 groups. Only CPM (continuous passive movement) and MSE (muscle strengthening exercise) were performed after KTA in the first group. In the second group, pROME was performed by physical therapists in our rehabilitation institution during the hospital stay, as well as CPM and MSE. CPM, MSE and pROME were performed by special physiotherapists during the hospital stay and also in the outpatient department after being discharged from the hospital in the third group. We compared the results of these groups. RESULTS: The range of motion was not increased among the groups. On the other hand, the third group showed a significantly higher functional outcome, as compared to that of the first and second groups. Conclusion: Although the range of motion of the knee joint was not increased enough to achieve statistical significance, the functional outcome showed significant increases with the pROME performed by physiotherapists. This result demonstrates that the knee exercises performed by special physiotherapists are useful and they can yield good outcomes in patients who underwent TKA.