Do Short-Term Benefits of Total Knee Arthroplasty Hold in the Long-Term?

Clinical Takeaway

: The reduced pain and increased function seen in the first year after surgery held for at least 15 years in an observational study in Korea.

Context

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) decreases pain and improves function for at least 10 years in most patients with severe osteoarthritis (see ). To determine longer-term effects, researchers conducted an observational study of 1264 patients in Korea who underwent TKA (about half bilateral), excluding patients with inflammatory arthritis or neurological disorders. The researchers administered several validated pain, function, and quality-of-life questionnaires preoperatively and at 6 follow-up times through 15 years.

Key Results

Mean scores on pain and general physical function questionnaires improved, both significantly, at 6 months postoperatively.
Most improvements held through the remaining 15-year period, except for mild decline…

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D.

Disclosures

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