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Early assessment of knee function and quality of life in patients after total knee replacement
Joanna Gaweł1, Wojciech Fibiger, Anna Starowicz
1Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Cracow Rehabilitation Centre. jonga@op.pl
Background:
The aim of the study was to assess knee function and changes of the perceived quality of life before total knee replacement surgery and after four weeks of post-operative rehabilitation.
Material And Methods:
The study involved 200 patients with Kellgren III/IV osteoarthritis of the knee who received a total cemented knee endoprosthesis and underwent comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation for four weeks. The Lysholm and Gilquist Knee Scale was used to assess the clinical status of the patients and the SF-36 Questionnaire served to evaluate the quality of life. Patients were evaluated before the operation and after the four-week rehabilitation.
Results:
A significant improvement in the following knee functions was observed after four weeks of rehabilitation: walking, climbing stairs, stability, and turning around on one leg. The pain, swelling and limp decreased. The quality of life after the four-week rehabilitation was considerably better in the domains of physical function and emotional status.
Conclusions:
The positive effects of surgery and rehabilitation on knee function and quality of life can be observed as early as after four weeks of rehabilitation following total knee replacement.