# Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Knee Locked in Extension: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare knee condition treated with total knee arthroplasty and highlights the importance of holistic patient care.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of a knee locked in full extension and its successful treatment with total knee arthroplasty.

## Key findings

- Total knee arthroplasty effectively managed a rare fixed extension deformity in a 60-year-old patient.
- The patient experienced improved physical and psychological outcomes post-surgery.
- Further research is needed to confirm the optimal treatment for similar cases.

## Abstract

A native arthritic knee locked in full extension is a rare presentation to an orthopaedic clinic. Often, fixed deformity cases present with an element of fixed flexion due to either a mechanical or non-mechanical block, but a full extension deformity has not been reported in the literature. The treatment of these complex cases often involves consideration of the biopsychosocial impact of the deformity, and holistic patient care is warranted.

This case report explores the symptoms, investigations, management, and postoperative recovery of a 60-year-old patient presenting with a rare fixed extension deformity. The condition had a significant impact on the patient's physical and psychological state, and its impact on quality of life should not be dismissed. Multiple imaging modalities and surgical options were considered prior to surgical management with total knee arthroplasty.

The management of this condition was demonstrated to be suitably treated with total knee arthroplasty with good postoperative function and recovery. However, further larger study series are required to provide more robust evidence as to the optimal management strategy.