Preoperative physical functions' influence on gait and hospitalization after total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the influence of preoperative physical functions on gait and hospitalization of patients after total knee arthroplasty. [Subjects] Thirty-one knees of twenty-eight patients with knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). [Methods] We analyzed preoperative body functions influencing length of stay and postoperative period need to acquire walker gait and independent gait. [Results] Among preoperative body functions, the timed up and go test (TUG) was significantly related to the length of the postoperative period needed to acquire walker gait and independent gait. In contrast, there was no significant relation between any preoperative body function and length of stay. [Conclusion] The results suggest that preoperative TUG has a strong relation to early postoperative gait in patients with knee OA who undergo TKA.