Factors Related to Pre- to Early Post-operative Changes in the Mobility of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

[Purpose] We examined factors related to pre- to early post-operative changes in the mobility of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. [Participants and Methods] We included 79 patients who had undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis to analyze the correlations between the amount of change in the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) score during the period from before to 14 days after surgery and the following preoperative parameters: knee pain, muscle strength of the knee joint, knee joint range of motion, blood chemistry findings, and blood pressure. [Results] The amount of change in the TUG score was significantly negatively correlated with preoperative knee extensor strength on the operative side, as the higher the latter, the poorer postoperative mobility improvement. Patients with higher knee extensor strength on the operative side before surgery experienced a greater reduction in such strength during the period from before to 14 days after surgery, which likely contributed to the decline in mobility. [Conclusion] Even if patients’ preoperative knee extensor strength on the operative side is high, the possibility of these patients experiencing a significant early postoperative reduction in knee extensor strength and mobility should be taken into consideration when providing support.