Proprioception in total knee arthroplasty in elderly: a review of literature

Abstract

Proprioception is the conscious or unconscious ability to perceive the motion and joint position through the articular mechanoreceptors. Proprioception is extremely important in geriatric patients, because such deficits may increase the risk of falls. Patients with total knee arthroplasty usually lose some proprioceptives afferents, and the consequences of this impairment are still contradictory among researchers. The posterior cruciate ligament is one of the primary stabilizers of the knee joint, and
it may or may not be removed in total knee arthroplasty. The present paper reviewed the literature in order to discuss proprioception in patients with replaced knees. We also highlighted the importance of keeping the posterior cruciate ligament after surgery. Our conclusion raised controversial issues. However, most of the past studies agree that joint
proprioception decreases after total knee arthroplasty and also agree on the importance to preserve posterior cruciate ligament.