Effects of knee prosthetic surgery on overactive bladder symptoms and incontinence in women

Urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) are common conditions worldwide. These conditions significantly affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with limited mobility. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures, resulting in pain relief, as well as improved function and QoL. This study was aimed at evaluating changes in patients' mobility as a result of TKA surgery and the effect of these changes on their OAB and UI symptoms.

A total of 49 female patients with stage IV osteoarthrosis were included in the study. The International Consultation on Incontinence Question-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Overactive Bladder-Validated 8 (OAB-V8), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) forms were completed pre-operatively and at the 6th post-operative month. Both knee flexion angles were measured, and the post-void residual urine volume (PVR) was recorded.

A statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease was observed in the ICIQ-SF, VAS, OKS, and OAB-V8 scores in the post-operative period compared with the pre-operative values. No statistically significant change was detected in PVR (p=0.103). There was a statistically significant increase in the flexion angle (p<0.001).

After knee arthroplasty, there was a noticeable improvement in the OAB symptoms and UI complaints of the patients. Therefore, we consider that increasing mobility after TKA will positively affect OAB/UI in female patients.