Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in obese patients has been under rigorous scrutiny due concerns of less satisfying results and increased risk of perioperative complications. We conducted a prospective study to observe functional scores between obese and non obese patients at two years after mini-robot computer assisted TKA. Average stay, time for wound to be dry and perioperative complications were also compared.

A prospective study was conducted between February 2007 and February 2008 involving 50 patients. Two different groups of 25 each were made on the basis of body mass index (BMI). Oxford and Knee society scores were obtained at two years to observe difference in functional scores between these groups.

Rate of post operative complications or hospital stay was comparable between the two groups. Oxford and Knee society scores improved significantly in both the groups postoperatively. Obese patients had better Oxford and Knee society scores, which were not statistically significant.

There is no difference in early functional outcome and complications between obese and non obese patients after navigated TKA. Navigated TKA in obese patients help precise component placement with appropriate soft tissue balancing leading to improved results.

Computer navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty is routinely performed with gratifying results. New navigation software is now designed to help surgeons balance soft tissues in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of our study was to compare functional scores at two years between two different techniques of knee balancing.

A prospective randomized control study was conducted between February 2007 and February 2008 involving 52 patients. Two different techniques of knee balancing were used namely, measured resection and gap balancing technique. Each group had 26 patients. Oxford and Knee society scores were done at two years to understand if one technique was better than other.

Oxford and Knee Society Scores improved significantly in both the groups but gap balancing technique achieved slightly better functional scores which were not significant on statistical analysis.

Computer assisted measured resection and gap balancing techniques in TKA reliably improves functional scores postoperatively. Either of the techniques if performed correctly with appropriate patient selection will have satisfactory outcomes.

The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) is a valid and reliable self-administered patient questionnaire that enables assessment of the outcome following total knee replacement (TKR). There is as yet no literature on the behavioral trends of the OKS over time. Our aim is to present a retrospective audit of the OKS for patients who have undergone TKR during the past ten years.

We retrospectively analysed 3276 OKS of patients who had a primary TKR and had been registered as part of a multi-surgeon, outcome-monitoring program at St. Helier hospital. The OKS was gathered pre-operatively and post-operatively by means of postal questionnaires at annual intervals. Patients were grouped as per their age at operation into four groups: 60, 61-70, 71- 80 and >80. A cross-sectional analysis of OKS at different time points was performed.

The numbers of OKS available for analysis were 504 pre-operatively, 589 at one-year, 512 at two-year and gradually decreasing numbers with 87 knees ten-year post-operatively. There was as expected a significant decrease (improvement) of the OKS between pre-operative and one-year post-operative period and then reached a plateau. Beyond eight years, there is a gradual rise in the score (deterioration). The younger patients (60) showed a significant increase in their average OKS between one and five-years post-operatively. However beyond five years, they followed the trend of their older counterparts. When the twelve questions in the OKS were analysed, certain components revealed greater improvement (e.g. description of knee pain and limping) than others (e.g. night pain).

The OKS is seen to plateau a year after TKR. According to the OKS the outcome of the TKR is not as good in the younger age group as compared to the older age group. Further investigation is required to ascertain the cause of this observed difference.