The knee extension moment during gait is more than two times lower after a total knee arthroplasty. a comparison to asymptomatic controls at matched walking speeds

Gait deviations seem persistent after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The gait of TKA patients and asymptomatic controls are commonly compared at their comfortable walking speed (CWS). We aim to identify deviating gait biomechanics of TKA patients that are not contaminated by differences in gait speed. After correcting gait parameters for speed gait deviations remained. At CWS, TKA patients walked with lower knee extension moments compared to controls. Increased gait speed showed strong impacts on the gait of TKA patients, increasing knee and hip flexion moments beyond that of controls. These greater peak moments put more strain on muscles and joints. Hence, for TKA their adaptations may be beneficial over asymptomatic gait patterns.