Abstract
Currently long term survivorship is highly predictable for total knee replacements. However, they still do not have the functional outcome of a normal knee, particularly in younger people. Using our results published in 1999 we compared the functional outcomes with a modern design implant.
415 patients having an LPS Flex Mobile implant were performed by one surgeon and were assessed using the SF36 functional outcome questionnaire. Patients were looked at pre-operatively, three months post-operatively and 12 months post-operatively. The results were compared with the previously reported study and there were shown to be some exciting changes in respect to functional outcome, particularly in the younger age group, and at the same time not incurring any increased complications. Comparing the 2 studies in 1999 and this study and using the ABS survey where population norms were calculated we showed that the results in the older patients were maintained with no additional compllcations. In 1999 the younger patients performed poorly however in this new study the younger patients returned to the age matched expected norms for the broader community.
Total knee replacements still do not provide normal function in a knee, however, recent changes to design concepts have permitted improved functional outcome for patients particularly in the younger age group.
The abstracts were prepared by David AF Morgan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at davidafmorgan@aoa.org.au
Declaration of interest: a
