Early postoperative straight leg raise is associated with shorter length of stay after unilateral total knee arthroplasty

Purpose: Shorter length of stay (LOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is cost-effective. Straight leg raise (SLR) a common exercise prescribed TKA, but the significance early postoperative SLR unknown. The primary aim this study to evaluate association between and LOS. Secondary aims are explore associations among SLR, time ambulation, stairs climbing identify factors related SLR. Methods: 888 TKAs (888 knees, 865 patients) performed at tertiary hospital in 2016 were included for retrospective study. All with medial parapatellar approach tourniquet. Time events (SLR, stair climbing), LOS influencing these analysed using multivariate Poisson regression model logistic regression. Results: Patients who on day 1 (POD1) had shorter than those did not (adjusted Mean Ratio (aMR) = 0.846, p < 0.001), estimated mean being 3.5 days 4.1 days, respectively. Performing POD1 was also associated ambulation (aMR 0.789; 0.001) 0.811, 0.001). Female gender higher rest pain delayed Conclusion: TKA LOS, climbing. Early can prognosticate recovery discharge. Optimization preoperative muscle strength may be important TKA.