This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Study data show TKA improves calcaneal bone quality
During the course of a 5-year follow-up period, total knee arthroplasty improved calcaneal bone quality, according to study results.
Researchers assessed bone quality of the calcaneus in 42 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed on 21 patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis by measuring broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) through the os calcis on the surgical side 1 day before TKA and 5 years postoperatively.
Although results showed no significant differences in BUA before or 5 years after surgery when the first and second surgical sides were considered separately, the researchers found a 5% improvement in BUA on the first side and a 7% improvement on the second side after surgery relative to the pre-surgical values. Additionally, a significant improvement in postoperative BUA relative to presurgical values was found when both sides were considered together, according to the researchers.
Five years after surgery, 67% of patients showed bilateral improvement in BUA of the calcaneus. The researchers also found a significant negative correlation between age and preoperative BUA on the first side, as well as a significant correlation in BUA improvement rates of the first and second sides. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.