FUNCTIONAL SUCCESS IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY – DOES OBESITY HOLD THE KEY: A FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To assess the functional outcome and its determinants among patients having undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Method: A total of 36 patients having undergone unilateral TKA with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years (24 months) were enrolled. Demographic prole, BMI, activity prole, history of systemic illness, preoprerative exion contracture, side involved and time since arthroplasty was noted. Functional outcome was noted for walking, stair climbing and walking aid use items of Knee Society Score. Scores <60, 60-69, 70-79 and >80 were considered as poor, fair, good and excellent outcomes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 18.0 software. Chi-square and Independent samples 't'-tests were used. Binary logistic regression was done for multivariate analysis. Results: Mean age of patients was 63.42±9.71 years (Range 47-78 years). Majority were males (52.8%). Mean BMI of patients was 29.28±3.23 kg/m2. Mean follow-up duration was 62.28±19.24 months (Range 26-87 months). Excellent, good and fair outcomes were noted in 4 (11.1%), 14 (38.9%) and 18 (50.0%) patients respectively. On univariate analysis body mass index (p=0.019), activity level (p=0.019) and systemic illness (p=0.019) showed a signicant association with outcome. However, on multivariate analysis only BMI was found to be signicantly associated with outcome (OR=0.687; 95% CI=0.492-960) (p=0.028). Conclusion: Among unilateral TKA patients obesity (BMI) holds the key to determine the direction of functional outcomes on follow-up.