Association Between Preoperative Radiological Findings and Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Arthroplasty

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a standard treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis.
• Preoperative radiological assessment is crucial for surgical planning and predicting outcomes.
• Limited data exists on preoperative radiological findings and postoperative outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative radiological findings and postoperative outcomes (pain, range of motion, functional status) in Saudi TKA patients.
• To identify specific radiological markers that predict surgical success.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of 523 TKA patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah.
• Data collected from medical records including demographics, radiological findings, and surgical outcomes.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

• Preoperative findings included varus deformity (65.39%), joint space narrowing (47.61%), and osteophytes (31.17%).
• Postoperative outcomes: 19% pain, 85% normal ROM, 74% normal function.
• Osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and osteopenia were associated with limited postoperative ROM (p < 0.05).
• Subchondral sclerosis linked to postoperative functional impairment (p = 0.009).

Conclusions:

• Preoperative osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis are significant predictors of postoperative range of motion and functional status in TKA.
• These radiological markers can guide preoperative planning and rehabilitation strategies for Saudi TKA patients.
• Further research is needed to validate findings and explore additional predictive factors.