Importance of Attenuating Quadriceps Activation Deficits After Total Knee Arthroplasty

In Brief Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with persistent quadriceps dysfunction. Because quadriceps dysfunction impairs functional performance, minimizing quadriceps dysfunction by attenuating central activation deficits early after surgery may improve function later in life. Rehabilitation strategies incorporating neuromuscular electrical stimulation and early, aggressive quadriceps strengthening may prove beneficial. Furthermore, surgical approaches, such as minimally invasive TKA, may minimize postoperative quadriceps dysfunction. Quadriceps central activation deficits, common early after total knee arthroplasty, may impair long-term recovery of functional performance unless minimized.