Knee Replacement in Seniors Improves Balance
Topic: Bones and Joints
Author: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Published: 2010/03/11
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Knee surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients.
Introduction
Knee replacement in elderly patients shown to improve balance - Multiple benefits to surgery reported for patients with advanced osteoarthritis.Main Item
Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a study presented today at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients.
Impaired balance and increased tendency to fall are common complaints among the elderly suffering from severe osteoarthritis (worn cartilage). The purpose of the study was to determine whether TKR had any effects on balance measures, in correlation with functional balance and quality of life. This is especially important because falls are the leading cause of injury for senior adults in the U.S., and hip fractures that result from falls can be lethal for elderly patients.
"Balance is critical to the elderly, especially those with knee problems. This study reinforced our hypothesis about how an osteoarthritic patient's function is compromised not only due to pain, but also by balance," said Leonid Kandel, MD, study author and orthopaedic surgeon, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
The study examined 63 patients, with a mean age of 73, who had total knee replacements and participated in follow-up evaluations after one year. The study measured accurately static and dynamic balance with a new computerized system called the Balance Master. The study found:
Significant improvement in dynamic balance one year after surgery;
Significant progress in balance-determined motor tests; and
Strong statistical correlation between the balance and the Oxford Knee Score functional questionnaire and the quality of life questionnaire SF-36.
One year after surgery, the correlation between patients' improved balance and their ability to walk and perform daily activities was stronger than the correlation between their reduced pain and their ability to walk and do daily activities.
"We are learning that pain relief may not be the only benefit that improves function after knee replacement," explained Dr. Kandel. "This improved balance is a significant quality-of-life change in elderly patients."
Elderly individuals considering knee replacement should talk to their orthopaedic surgeon about the rehabilitation process and ways to improve balance following surgery. Other questions to consider prior to surgery can be found at www.orthoinfo.org
Disclosure: Dr. Kandel and his co-authors received no compensation for this study.
Explore Related Topics
1 - How Bone Cells Respond to Forces - Repairing and Preventing Future Injuries - New research from Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada and McGill University Montreal shows how bone cells repair themselves, giving important clues as to how to improve future care.
2 - Plantar Fasciitis Information: Symptoms Facts and Treatment Options - Information regarding Plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciopathy or jogger's heel, a painful disorder affecting the heel and underside of the foot or feet.
3 - Muscle Cramps: How to Prevent Cramping - Muscle cramps generally result from over exertion and dehydration a lack of fluid in your system leads to electrolyte imbalance causing muscles to cramp up.
4 - Important New Biology Leading to Improved Healing for Bone Fractures - René St-Arnaud, Ph.D., Director of Research at Shriners Hospitals reveals important new biology leading to improved healing for bone fractures.
5 - Dripping Candle Wax Bone Disease (Melorheostosis) Cause Solved - National Institutes of Health research study finds gene mutations that cause Melorheostosis or dripping candle wax bone disease.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2010, March 11). Knee Replacement in Seniors Improves Balance. Disabled World. Retrieved October 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/orthopedics/knee-replacement.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/orthopedics/knee-replacement.php">Knee Replacement in Seniors Improves Balance</a>: Knee surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.