Total knee replacement (TKR), also known as a total knee arthroplasty, are common procedures performed on Americans each year. Annually, more than 700,000 TKRs are performed in the U.S., corresponding to a prevalence rate of 1.52%21,22. These numbers are expected to rise with the increase in baby boomers entering older adulthood as well as others medical advances that improve quality of life into old age. Over the past decade the amount of TKR surgeries has doubled23. By 2030, it is projected that the demand for TKRs will increase 673% to 3.48 million procedures23. End-stage arthritis is the most common reason for TKR procedures. Over half of all people who have been diagnosed with knee OA will have a TKR surgery in their lifetime23. Many of the adults who opt for TKR have significant functional limitations and activity restrictions due to the pain associated with knee OA24–26. TKR surgeries involve removing the damaged tissue and articular cartilage from the end of the femur and the top of the tibia that become damaged due to arthritis27. A TKR may also involve removing parts of the patella, depending on the severity of the knee joint degeneration and at the removing the damaged tissue surgeon’s discretion27. After of the knee, prosthetic pieces (usually made of metal or plastic) are cemented into the knee and held in place27. These synthetic implants allow the joint to move around more freely and without risk of friction or inflammation. Although patients often find relief from the persistent pain of knee OA following TKR surgery, 37% of patients still have persistent functional limitations one year after their surgeries28. Patients who undergo TKR have significantly decreased range of motion, decreased quadriceps strength, and slower walk time-tests compared to their healthy counterparts up to six months after surgery28. In addition, patients who undergo unilateral TKR often have additional surgeries in
Total knee replacement (TKR), also known as a total knee arthroplasty, are common procedures performed on Americans each year. Annually, more than 700,000 TKRs are performed in the U.S., corresponding to a prevalence rate of 1.52%21,22. These numbers are expected to rise with the increase in baby boomers entering older adulthood as well as others medical advances that improve quality of life into old age. Over the past decade the amount of TKR surgeries has doubled23. By 2030, it is projected that the demand for TKRs will increase 673% to 3.48 million procedures23. End-stage arthritis is the most common reason for TKR procedures. Over half of all people who have been diagnosed with knee OA will have a TKR surgery in their lifetime23. Many of the adults who opt for TKR have significant functional limitations and activity restrictions due to the pain associated with knee OA24–26. TKR surgeries involve removing the damaged tissue and articular cartilage from the end of the femur and the top of the tibia that become damaged due to arthritis27. A TKR may also involve removing parts of the patella, depending on the severity of the knee joint degeneration and at the surgeon’s discretion27. After removing the damaged tissue of the knee, prosthetic pieces (usually made of metal or plastic) are cemented into the knee and held in place27. These synthetic implants allow the joint to move around more freely and without risk of friction or inflammation. Although patients often find relief from the persistent pain of knee OA following TKR surgery, 37% of patients still have persistent functional limitations one year after their surgeries28. Patients who undergo TKR have significantly decreased range of motion, decreased quadriceps strength, and slower walk time-tests compared to their healthy counterparts up to six months after surgery28. In addition, patients who undergo unilateral TKR often have additional surgeries in