Lack of full active extension is the deficit patients and surgeons tolerate longest after total knee arthroplasty, and it shapes gait and stair climbing. Measure and record active extension at each early visit, and address a lag with targeted quadriceps work before it becomes fixed.
- Record active and passive extension at every early postoperative review.
- Distinguish a quadriceps lag from a mechanical block.
- Start strengthening early and supervise it if progress stalls.
- Refer on if extension is not improving by the planned review.
Why it matters
An extension deficit is easier to correct early than months later.
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