Nerve Palsy After Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract
Forty-two consecutive knee arthroplasties on rheumatoid knee (19 Attenborough, 20 Total Condylar, 3 Marmor) were examined pre- and postoperatively for signs of below-the-knee nerve lesions. Of these knees, 16 were also studied neurophysiologically (EMG [electromyogram]). Four patients (knees) had peroneal nerve palsy, 3 early and 1 late. Three further knees had only EMG signs of nerve lesion. Predisposing factor was correction of flexion contracture of > 10 degrees and especially when combined with varus change in alignment. Preoperative EMG could not predict nerve lesion.

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