Total knee replacement dramatically improves patient’s condition
By IANSThursday, February 17, 2011
LONDON - More than 90 percent of people who have undergone total knee replacement (TKR) experience dramatic reduction in knee pain and a marked improvement in the ability to perform common activities, even several years after the surgery.
The study found that 95 patients could walk at least five blocks. Nearly half this number reported unlimited walking. All but two patients could negotiate up and down stairs without a banister. Only three patients were considered housebound. There were no implant failures after 20 years.
“This research refutes any perception that the importance of a well-functioning TKR diminishes over time because of an overall declining functional status,” said study author John B. Meding, MD, of The Centre for Hip and Knee Surgery, Mooresville, US.
“Elderly people are using their surgically replaced knees for fairly active lifestyles many years after surgery,” he added, according to a statement of The Centre.
Although ageing may cause a gradual decline in physical activity, a remarkable functional capacity and activity level continues 20 years or more after TKR.
These findings were presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
