Locking Total Knee Replacement Design for Treating Knee Extensor Weakness

This design allows patients to selectively lock the knee in full extension for the purposes of ambulation and unlock free rotation when desired. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 600,000 total knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States each year. While total knee replacement (TKR) is a definitive method to restore knee function in most patients, some have trouble with knee function and weakness following surgery. Knee arthrodesis is required when a patient has inadequate muscular control or soft tissue stability to ambulate. This extended position requires greater muscular strength and endurance to control, even when sitting, which leads to secondary joint pain and muscular fatigue. The permanence of such a position can also prevent patient participation in many activities of daily living. Clemson University researchers developed a new design that provides an alternative surgical treatment to arthrodesis. This design enables a patient controlled locking mechanism within a TKR that can allow for bending of the knee joint when necessary. This provides functional convenience for patients, allowing them to flex their knee joint as necessary during passive functions and to walk with the functional equivalence of arthrodesis.