The impact of a total knee arthroplasty on jaw movements, upper body posture, plantar pressure distribution, and postural control.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on linked cranial and caudal structures.

Methods

Thirty-five (14f/21m) subjects participated in this study: 15 subjects (9f, 6m) pre- and post- TKA and a control group of 20 subjects (5f, 15m). The measurements included: jaw condyle position and movement, back scan, plantar pressure distribution, and body sway.

Results

There were no significant differences in electronic position analysis of the jaw; however, the protrusion of the TKA group improved (p = 0.001). The test group had a more anteriorly inclined thoracic spine and a less pronounced lumbar lordosis. Before and after surgery, the body sway in the test group was larger.

Conclusion

The TKA affected most prominently the static mechanisms of the postural control and the spine position. The trajectories of the mandible during protrusion also changed slightly.