This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Kinetic gait improves after TKA
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Symmetrical improvements in temporospatial and kinetic gait parameters occur as interlimb differences in quadriceps strength decrease after total knee arthroplasty, according to this study. However, progressive weakness in the nonoperated limb causes symmetry 3 years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in quadriceps strength.
Fourteen patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA were matched by age, sex, height and body weight to 14 individuals without evidence of neurological or musculoskeletal impairments on either lower limb. The TKA group was assessed at baseline and 1 year and 3 years after TKA. Healthy participants were tested at baseline and at a follow-up session 2 years to 3 years later. Outcomes measures included kinematics, kinetics, quadriceps strength and functional performance.
At 3 months and 1 year after TKA, researchers found quadriceps strength in the TKA group was significantly different between limbs. However, this difference was not observed at 3 years after TKA. Study results also showed a significant improvement in self-reported function between 3 months and 1 year after TKA, while the physical component summary score of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey showed a significant decrease between years 1 and 3. Joint kinematics and kinetics had few interlimb differences 3 years after TKA.
Researchers stated this result may be attributed to a combination of worsening in the nonoperated limb, as well as improvement in the operated limb. Overall, differences between participants without knee pathology and patients 3 years after TKA still existed for kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal variables, according to study results.
Disclosure: The researchers had no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts