Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the kneeling ability of patients before and at one and two years after total (TKR), unicompartmental (UKR) and selective patellofemoral (PFR) knee arthroplasty, for osteoarthritis. Method: Data was prospectively collected on 253 knees, which underwent either TKR, UKR or PFR. A kneeling score was obtained by analysis of the relevant section of the Oxford Knee Score questionnaire. Scores were obtained pre-operatively and at 1 and 2 years post-operatively (minimum score 0, maximum 4). Absolute values and change following arthroplasty were recorded. Correlations with pain and other knee functions were also made.
Results: Kneeling ability prior to surgery was poor in all three groups (mean score 0.7 out of 4) and improved significantly after surgery (mean score at one year 1.13 and at two years 1.46 out of 4) (P< 0.001). Kneeling ability at 1 year differed significantly with operation type (p = 0.02). Kneeling ability improved most in the first year post-operatively but continued to improve between one and two years although the final function was still not good. Kneeling ability was best in UKR and worst in PFR, with the difference between these prostheses being statistically significant (P< 0.001).
Conclusion: Kneeling ability in osteoarthritic knees is poor but improves with arthroplasty. However, the majority of patients will still have difficulty kneeling.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Smith. Correspondence should be addressed to him c/o British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35-42 Lindoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN.
