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Quantitative gait analysis after unilateral or bilateral total knee replacement.
A T Berman1, V J Zarro, S J Bosacco
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Even asymptomatic arthritis impacts gait. Total knee replacement significantly improves function, but bilateral procedures yield excellent outcomes, highlighting the importance of gait analysis for objective functional assessment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Degenerative arthritis significantly impacts patient mobility and quality of life.
- Total knee replacement (TKR) is a common surgical intervention for advanced knee arthritis.
- Gait analysis provides objective functional data for evaluating treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess functional outcomes after total knee replacement using gait analysis.
- To compare outcomes in patients with unilateral TKR (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic contralateral knee) and bilateral TKR.
- To investigate the influence of contralateral knee arthritis on gait post-TKR.
Main Methods:
- Gait analysis using a gait mat to measure parameters like stance time, step length, and velocity.
- Patient stratification into three groups based on preoperative knee condition and planned surgery.
- Pain assessment using a knee-rating scale.
- Comparison with an age-matched control group.
Main Results:
- All patients demonstrated significant gait improvement post-TKR.
- Patients with asymptomatic contralateral knee arthritis (Group II) showed less improvement compared to those with no contralateral arthritis (Group I) or bilateral TKR (Group III).
- Bilateral TKR resulted in excellent functional outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic knee arthritis can negatively affect gait.
- Total knee replacement effectively improves gait and function in patients with degenerative arthritis.
- Gait analysis is a valuable, objective tool for assessing functional recovery after TKR.
- Patients strive for symmetrical limb use, underscoring the benefits of addressing bilateral issues.