Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the only treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, whereby the diseased ends of the bones comprising the knee joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic joint components. Approximately 500,000 of these procedures are performed annually in the United States. Despite an otherwise successful procedure and post-operative rehabilitation process, about 5% of all individuals will develop a flexion contracture after TKA. Flexion contracture limits the knee joint range of motion, which has negative impacts on activities of daily living and health-related quality of life. Standard of care treatment for resolving flexion contracture requires more surgery or, at minimum, more exposure to anesthesia to manipulate the joint and improve range of motion. The investigators have developed a non-invasive means for resolving flexion contracture, The investigators propose fixing a wedge to the sole of the patient's shoe such that the taller end of the wedge is located near the toes and the shorter end is closer to the heel. Biomechanically, this forces the individual to make ground contact during walking closer to the heel rather than the toes (which is typically observed in patients with flexion contracture). By forcing ground contact closer to the heel, patients gradually force their knee to extend (straighten) over time and resolve the flexion contracture. The aim of this pilot investigation is to test the hypothesis that the anterior wedge worn on the shoe during all walking activities for 4 weeks will reduce the severity of the flexion contracture in patients after TKA.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Gait biomechanics
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks