Effectiveness of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Pain Reduction and Functional Improvement in Elderly Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) significantly impairs mobility and quality of life in elderly patients. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established surgical intervention to alleviate severe pain and improve knee function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TKA on pain severity and knee joint function in patients aged 60-70 years. Materials and Methods:This quasi-experimental study included 40 patients who underwent TKA at a teaching hospital between August 2021 and February 2023. Pain severity and knee function were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Knee Society Score (KSS), respectively. Assessments were performed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results:The study included 31 women and 9 men, with a mean age of 65.20 +/- 3.46 years and an average BMI of 28.7 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2). A significant reduction in pain was observed, with mean VAS scores decreasing from 8.40 preoperatively to 3.05 at 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Knee function improved markedly, with the KSS scores increasing from 36.13 preoperatively to 75.75 at 6 months (P < .001). Both pain intensity and knee function showed significant improvements at each time point, with continued benefits observed over time. Conclusions:TKA significantly reduced pain and improved knee joint function in elderly patients. These findings support the effectiveness of TKA as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis, highlighting its potential to enhance the quality of life in the elderly population. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term outcomes and factors that influence patient satisfaction.