Balance is an important predictive factor for quality of life and function after primary total knee replacement

I. Schwartz, L. Kandel*, A. Sajina, D. Litinezki, A. Herman, Y. Mattan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigated the extent to which improved balance relative to pain relief correlates with the success of total knee replacement (TKR). A total of 81 patients were recruited to the study: 16 men (19.8%) and 65 women (80.2%). Of these, 62 patients (10 men, 52 women) with a mean age of 73 (57 to 83) underwent static and dynamic assessment of balance preoperatively and one year post-operatively. The parameters of balance were quantified using commercially available and validated equipment. Motor function and self-reported outcome were also assessed. There was a significant improvement in dynamic balance (p < 0.001) one year after TKR, and better balance correlated with improved mobility, functional balance and increased health-related quality of life. As it seems that balance, and not only pain relief, influences the success of TKR, balance skills should be better addressed during the post-operative rehabilitation of patients who undergo TKR.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)782-786
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery - Series B
Volume94 B
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

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