Determination of the effect of preoperative knee joint function on postoperative quality of life in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful proceduresfor end‐stage knee osteoarthritis. To determine the effect of preoperative kneejoint function on postoperative quality of life in patients undergoing primary TKA.This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted with a total of 208 patientsin the orthopedics and traumatology clinic. Data were gathered with a personalinformation form, the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the EQ‐5D‐5L Quality OfLife Scale in the preoperative period, at postoperative 6th week, and atpostoperative 3rd month. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and simple linearregression analysis. The mean age of the patients was 65.65 ± 7.01 years. Mostpatients (86.1%) were women, and 51.4% underwent left TKA. OKS scoresindicated poor knee function preoperatively and gradually increased atpostoperative 6th week and 3rd month. Preoperative OKS was a significantpredictor of postoperative knee joint function and quality of life. This studyshows that preoperative knee joint function significantly affects postoperativeknee joint function and quality of life. These results demonstrate the importanceof the surgery timing and suggest that performing surgery earlier in functionaldecline may be associated with a better outcome.