Early assessment of knee function and quality of life in patients after total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess knee function and changes of the perceived quality of life before total knee replacement surgery and after four weeks of post-operative rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 200 patients with Kellgren III/IV osteoarthritis of the knee who received a total cemented knee endoprosthesis and underwent comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation for four weeks. The Lysholm and Gilquist Knee Scale was used to assess the clinical status of the patients and the SF-36 Questionnaire served to evaluate the quality of life. Patients were evaluated before the operation and after the four-week rehabilitation. RESULTS A significant improvement in the following knee functions was observed after four weeks of rehabilitation: walking, climbing stairs, stability, and turning around on one leg. The pain, swelling and limp decreased. The quality of life after the four-week rehabilitation was considerably better in the domains of physical function and emotional status. CONCLUSIONS The positive effects of surgery and rehabilitation on knee function and quality of life can be observed as early as after four weeks of rehabilitation following total knee replacement.