Effect on quality of life in patients with knee OAtotal knee prosthesis

In this study our aim was to investigate the effects of total knee arthroplasty on quality of life and knee functions of gonarthrosis patients.The study was performed in Afyon Kocatepe University Ahmet Necdet Sezer Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department between September, 2009 and September, 2010. The 48 patients who had diagnosis of gonarthrosis and underwent total knee arthroplasty without developing any complications included in the study. In the study a query was applied to 48 patients preoperatively and 6th month postoperatively.Demographic characteristics of the patients take place in the first part of the questionnaire. SF-36 health quality scale that includes general health status dimensions made up the secon part. Knee evaluation form take place in the third part of the questionnaire. Data were transferred to computer using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program. To calculate the demographic data of the patients who joined the survey number or percent were used. To evaluate other data Wilcoxon tests has been applied that was used to compare to dependent groups.Study, preoperative and postoperative general health status dimensions were compared and a significant change was found postoperatively. Statistically significant differences were found between general health status dimensions (p< 0,05). When preoperative and postoperative general health status dimensions compared to demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, systemic diseases, duration of knee pain and whether the patient was informed or not about operation; a significant difference was found (p<0,05). When the preoperative and postoperative knee functions walues were compared, significant difference was found according to the postoperative statistically analize results (p<0,05). When preoperative and postoperative knee function values were compared to some characteristics such as age, gender, systemic diseases and duration of knee pain, postoperatıve there is a positive change in the knee functions was observed and this was statistically significant too (p<0,05).As a result in this study it has been seen that in the treatment of gonarthrosis, total knee arthroplasty has beneficial effects both on quality of life and knee functions. In study, it has been determinated that, total knee arthroplasty is an efficient treatment method that releaves pain, increases knee functions significantly and increases life comfort of people.Key Words: Arthroplasty, knee, gonarthrosis, prosthesis, quality of life.