Our Summary

This study compared the walking patterns of patients who had either a total knee replacement (TKA) or a partial knee replacement (UKA). The research included 26 patients who had these surgeries more than a year ago. The study used a system called Vicon to analyze the patients’ walking patterns and SPSS to perform statistical analysis.

The findings revealed no significant difference in the walking patterns or the lifespan of the knee prosthesis between the two groups. However, it was found that the UKA group had larger forces acting on the knee during certain movements when compared to the TKA group. This was observed on both the operated and the non-operated side of the knee.

In the TKA group, the forces on the operated side were significantly lower than the non-operated side, especially before the swing phase of walking. In the UKA group, the forces were significantly lower on the operated side during the loading phase of walking.

These results suggest that the non-operated knee experiences more stress after either type of knee replacement. This could be a reason why UKA has higher revision rates compared to TKA. The findings are important as they can provide insights into the wear and tear of the knee prosthesis.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of this study comparing total and partial knee replacements?
  2. Did this study find any significant differences in the lifespan of the knee prosthesis between patients who had a TKA and those who had a UKA?
  3. How might the results of this study explain the higher revision rates in UKA compared to TKA?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement is to make sure to follow a proper rehabilitation program after surgery. This can help improve strength, flexibility, and overall function of the knee. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can also help prevent complications and improve the longevity of the knee replacement. It is important to listen to your body, avoid high-impact activities that can put stress on the knee, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for post-operative care.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that interferes with their daily activities and quality of life. This includes individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or other degenerative conditions of the knee joint. The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery is usually made after conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections have failed to provide relief. Additionally, patients who have significant joint damage, deformity, or instability may also be candidates for knee replacement surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if knee replacement is the best option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before knee replacement surgery, a patient may experience chronic knee pain, swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and a decrease in overall quality of life. They may have tried various conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and assistive devices without success.

After knee replacement surgery, a patient typically goes through a recovery process that includes hospitalization for a few days, physical therapy to improve strength and mobility, pain management, and gradually increasing activity levels. It may take several weeks to months to fully recover and regain full function of the knee. Patients may experience some temporary discomfort, swelling, and stiffness during this time.

Over time, most patients experience significant improvement in their knee function, pain relief, and the ability to engage in activities they couldn’t do before. They are able to walk, climb stairs, and participate in low-impact exercises without pain. The prosthetic knee can last for many years, but regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are necessary to monitor the health of the knee and address any issues that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about knee replacement surgery include:

  1. What type of knee replacement surgery (TKA or UKA) do you recommend for me and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  4. How long can I expect my knee replacement to last before needing a revision surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy after surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. How soon after surgery can I return to normal activities or exercise?
  7. What kind of pain management options will be available to me after surgery?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after knee replacement surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after surgery?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or movements I should avoid to prolong the lifespan of my knee prosthesis?

Reference

Authors: Miller S, Agarwal A, Haddon WB, Johnston L, Arnold G, Wang W, Abboud RJ. Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2018 Apr;100(4):267-274. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2017.0226. Epub 2018 Feb 27. PMID: 29484928