The investigation of the relationship between functional level and satisfaction of patients with bilateral total knee replacement

PURPOSETo investigate the relationship between satisfaction and functional level of patients who underwent total knee replacement (TKR) because of knee osteoarthritis.MATERIAL and METHOD146 patients (14 male, 132 female; mean age: 68.2±8.04 years) who underwent primer TKR and completed minimum 6 months were assessed. Patients? knee functions were assessed with ?Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)? knee scoring system, their levels of satisfaction about TKR were assessed with patient satisfaction visual analog scale, patient satisfaction questions and TKR satisfaction questionnaire.RESULTS33 patients have staged and 113 patients have simultaneous bilateral TKR. There is no significant difference between evaluation parameters of patient satisfaction visual analog scale, patient satisfaction questions, TKR satisfaction questionnaire and HSS scores of patients who underwent staged and simultaneous bilateral TKR. The general satisfaction ratio was close to %90 in both groups. The least satisfied categories of 146 patients according to TKR satisfaction questionnaire were general health, walking distance which was shorter than 1km, difficulty in going up and down to do stairs, pain, disability to bending, difficulty in wearing sock and shoes. When total right and left knee HSS scores are divided into two groups like good and excellent and the relationship with functional status and satisfaction level are investigated, there were significant differences between two groups in many parameters.CONCLUSIONThere is no significant difference in terms of functional gain and satisfaction between staged and simultaneous bilateral TKR practice. Although patients who complated minimum 6 months were assessed, patients? general satisfaction ratio was close to %90 in bilateral TKR practice. However, there were some limitations in functional activities and specific rehabilitation approach should be applied. We think that this findings will be a guide to both surgeons and physiotherapists to use hospital sources, rehabilitation facilities and physiotherapist?s time effectively and to plan the reduction of hospital costs.Key Words: Total knee replacement, satisfaction, functional level