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Published on: July 22, 2019
Improved single-limb balance after total knee arthroplasty.
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 290-3 Jeonha-dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 682-714, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) significantly improves single-limb standing balance (SLSB) in patients with osteoarthritis. Better outcomes were seen in those with poorer pre-operative balance, suggesting TKA reduces fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanics
- Geriatric medicine
Background:
- Unsteady ambulation post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increases fall risk.
- Postural sway is a potential predictor of falling.
- Assessing single-limb standing balance (SLSB) is crucial for TKA outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of TKA on SLSB.
- To identify factors influencing changes in SLSB after TKA.
- To understand the immediate effects of TKA on balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, single-blinded observational study.
- Evaluated patients with varus deformity and medial compartment degeneration.
- Assessed pre- and post-operative measures including WOMAC, Kellgren/Lawrence scale, varus angle, pain, quadriceps strength, and postural sway.
Main Results:
- SLSB significantly improved after TKA (30.3 ± 20.8 cm to 18.5 ± 9.3 cm, p=0.02).
- Improvement in SLSB was proportional to pre-operative sway (β = 0.92).
- Significant improvement was observed as early as 11 days post-TKA.
Conclusions:
- TKA significantly enhances SLSB in patients with varus knee osteoarthritis.
- Poorer pre-operative SLSB correlated with better post-operative balance.
- TKA shows promise for immediate fall risk reduction in osteoarthritis patients.
