Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Muscle Power and Body Weight as Predictors of Success after Knee Replacement Surgery

Posted on: 10/12/2003
Predicting success after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) isn't always easy. Patients want to know what to expect and how long it will take to recover. Doctors don't have a lot of research to use when advising patients.

This study looked at the rate of recovery for mobility in the first six months after TKA. The authors set out to find factors that affect results, such as age, weight, type of joint implant, pain, and other medical problems. It's likely that some factors are more important than others. They tried to rank these factors.

Stair climbing and walking speed were used as the main indicators of success. Measures were made one week before and three and six months after the operation. Researchers thought knee strength and range of motion would affect recovery the most. When it was all said and done, two factors were most important. These are quadriceps muscle power and body mass index (BMI). The quadriceps is the muscle on top of the thigh that straightens the knee. BMI is the current way to measure obesity.

Being overweight with decreased muscle power appears to put patients at risk for failing to recover mobility after a TKA. The authors suggest that exercise and weight management will help patients regain stair climbing and walking abilities. They don't know if it's best to strengthen the quadriceps muscle before or after the joint replacement. More studies are needed to answer this question and to show if such a program would give lasting results.

References:
Sarah E. Lamb, DPhil, MSc, MCSP, and Helen Frost, MSc, MCSP. Recovery of Mobility after Knee Arthroplasty. In The Journal of Arthroplasty. August 2003. Vol. 18. No. 5. Pp. 575-582.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.