Maximizing flexion after total knee arthroplasty: the need and the pitfalls.

Currently available knee prostheses can provide 100 degrees to 110 degrees of knee flexion, which is usually good enough for most daily activities, such as ascending or descending stairs and rising from chairs. Many activities require deep knee flexion, however. In Asian countries, deep knee flexion also is needed for special cultural activities. Preoperative range of motion, surgical technique, prosthesis design, and postoperative rehabilitation are important factors that influence postoperative range of motion. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA).