Abstract:

Objective To explore the perceptions, diagnostic criteria and clinical management strategies of joint surgeons regarding perioperative knee extension lag in patients with total knee arthroplasty.
Methods From June to July, 2024, 17 joint surgeons from Peking University the First Hospital and Peking University the Third Hospital were selected as research subjects using purposive and convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interview data were analyzed and themes were summarized using NVivo 12.0 software.
Results A total of four themes and ten sub-themes emerged from the study. Theme 1 was the basics related to knee extension lag, including definition, diagnosis and incidence. Theme 2 was the attitudes of joint surgeons towards knee extension lag, including clinical value and importance. Theme 3 was the impact of knee extension lag on postoperative functional outcomes, including the impact of preoperative knee extension lag and postoperative knee extension lag on functional recovery. Theme 4 was management strategies for knee extension lag, including preoperative rehabilitation, surgical strategies and postoperative management.
Conclusion The standardized diagnosis and treatment of knee extension lag are still required further research. It is recommended that relevant content be added and emphasized in the training of joint surgeons and the early rehabilitation intervention of rehabilitation practitioners to improve the diagnosis and treatment of knee extension lag and to make it a useful addition to the perioperative management of total knee arthroplasty.

Key words: joint surgery, total knee arthroplasty, knee extension lag, qualitative study