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Disease-specific gender differences among total knee arthroplasty candidates
S C Petterson1, L Raisis, A Bodenstab
1University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|November 3, 2007
Summary
Women with knee osteoarthritis experience greater functional decline and strength loss than men, particularly before knee arthroplasty. These gender-specific impairments require tailored preoperative interventions for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Women with knee osteoarthritis report higher disability but undergo fewer joint replacements.
- This study investigates gender disparities in osteoarthritis-related impairment before knee arthroplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gender differences in the type and magnitude of knee osteoarthritis-related impairment.
- To identify specific functional deficits in women compared to men undergoing knee arthroplasty.
Main Methods:
- Compared 126 women and 95 men undergoing knee arthroplasty with 44 healthy controls.
- Assessed outcomes including SF-36, Knee Outcome Survey, range of motion, TUG, stair-climb, 6MWD, quadriceps strength, and muscle activation.
Main Results:
- Women arthroplasty candidates showed lower SF-36/KOS scores, longer TUG/stair-climb times, shorter 6MWD, and reduced quadriceps strength versus men.
- Healthy women also exhibited longer stair-climb times and shorter 6MWD.
- Women consistently displayed reduced normalized quadriceps strength and lower muscle activation compared to men.
Conclusions:
- Gender differences in strength and function are inherent and amplified in knee arthroplasty candidates.
- Strength and functional decline in women with knee osteoarthritis indicate worsening conditions.
- Preoperative interventions must address gender-specific impairments for effective treatment.