Which factor does not contribute to continued asymmetrical movement after TKA?

Continued asymmetrical movement after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be influenced by several factors, but the choice indicating pain in the operative knee does not significantly contribute to this asymmetry post-surgery. While pain can certainly affect the way an individual moves in the immediate aftermath of surgery, it’s important to consider that the primary goal of rehabilitation after TKA is to gradually reduce that pain through targeted physical therapy and functional training.

Once the acute pain subsides, the other factors—persistent muscle weakness, learned motor patterns from before the surgery, and persistent uneven weight-bearing—can more directly result in ongoing asymmetrical movement. Muscle weakness can create imbalances in strength between the legs, making it difficult to achieve symmetrical movement patterns. Additionally, if a patient developed compensatory movement strategies prior to surgery due to chronic pain or limited mobility, these learned behaviors can lead to chronic asymmetry, even after the surgical site has healed. Lastly, uneven weight-bearing can perpetuate an asymmetrical gait as individuals may continue to favor one side over the other, which could have long-term implications for their movement patterns.

Thus, while pain is an immediate issue, it is the other factors that are more likely to contribute to continued asymmetrical movement in the