High flex knee guide

The High flex knee is a boon to patients seeking increased function after a TKR. It allows activities which require deep knee bend, which are not possible with a conventional knee replacement. These are Stair climbing, squatting, kneeling, offering Namaz(Muslim prayers) sitting cross legged, praying, use of Indian toilet, gardening.

In order to benefit from a high flex knee replacement a few criteria should be met

a) Osteoarthritis is the main indication. If it is rheumatoid arthritis, bony destruction should not be advanced.

b) Revision knees are not suited for high flex

c) Ankylosed knees or fused knees cannot be replaced with a high flexion knee.

d) The thigh calf index should be above 90 degrees.

e) The patient should be motivated to achieve deep knee bending and should participate in aggressive post operative physiotherapy.

Some activities possible only with the full bending or high flex knee replacements are shown below.

Namaz           Kneeling for prayer       Cross legged sitting