Most Patients Can Kneel After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Patients commonly report difficulty kneeling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess patients’ ability to kneel after TKA and to prospectively determine whether patients with reported difficulty can be taught to kneel.

Attempts were made to reach 307 consecutive TKAs in 255 adult patients who were 18-24 months after surgery. Patients were surveyed for their ability to kneel. Those who reported difficulty kneeling were offered participation in a kneeling protocol. At the conclusion of the protocol, participants were surveyed again for their ability to kneel.

Of the 307 consecutive TKAs, 288 knees (94%) answered the survey. Of them, 196 knees (68%) could kneel with minor or no difficulty without any specific training. And 77 knees (27%) reported at least some difficulty kneeling and were eligible for participation in the protocol. Pain or discomfort was the most commonly reported reason for difficulty kneeling. Of these 77 knees, 43 knees (56%) participated. Thirty-six knees (84%) completed all or most of the protocol. All patients who completed all or most of the protocol were then able to kneel, and none reported significant difficulty kneeling. On average, participants improved 1.4 levels.

In this cohort, 68% of knees could kneel after TKA without any specific training. Of those who had at least some difficulty kneeling, all who participated were able to kneel after a simple kneeling protocol, although 44% of eligible patients did not participate. This study suggests that kneeling should be included in postoperative TKA rehabilitation.