A Complete Functional Characterization of Patients with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis in Need of Total Knee Replacement
Background/Objectives: The current literature lacks objective criteria to correctly identify patients in need of a total knee replacement. Surgery indication can be challenging for orthopedic surgeons, which may lead to high levels of patient dissatisfaction. The objective of this study is to descri...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/9/4/216 |
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| Summary: | Background/Objectives: The current literature lacks objective criteria to correctly identify patients in need of a total knee replacement. Surgery indication can be challenging for orthopedic surgeons, which may lead to high levels of patient dissatisfaction. The objective of this study is to describe a complete set of functional characteristics to identify patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis in need of a total knee replacement, correlating data from strength and performance tests with pain, function, and quality of life questionnaires. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis in a waiting list for total knee replacement at a University Hospital. The patients responded to subjective self-reported questionnaires and performance-based functional tests. Anthropometric data were also collected. The main outcome measures were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36, knee range of motion, thigh perimeter measurement, maximum voluntary isometric contraction, and 6-min walk test. Results: We analyzed 122 patients (89 female). The functional profile of patients with severe knee osteoarthritis awaiting total knee replacement was described. Quadriceps strength (extensor torque) had a negative correlation with WOMAC (r = −0.3102; <i>p</i> < 0.05), VAS (r = −0.3247; <i>p</i> < 0.05), and a positive correlation with SF-36 Functional Capacity subscale (r = 0.321; <i>p</i> < 0.05). Poorer performance in the 6 min walk test also correlated with worse scores in the WOMAC (r = −0.35; <i>p</i> < 0.05), VAS (r = −0.48; <i>p</i> < 0.05) and SF-36. Conclusions: The present article established a functional profile of patients with severe knee osteoarthritis with indication for total knee replacement, which may help orthopedic surgeons in their decision process. We also identified quadriceps strength and a 6 min walk test as the two most important functional parameters that correlate with knee osteoarthritis severity. |
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| ISSN: | 2411-5142 |