Evaluation of functional status, balance and fall risk in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease involving the synovial joint. One of the joints most commonly affected symptomatically in osteoarthritis is the knee joint. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional levels, balance and fall risk parameters of patients after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Our study was conducted with 20 female individuals with an average age of 51.6±4.9 years, at the 3rd post-operative month. Joint range of motion, edema, and proprioception were evaluated. The BIODEX system was used for balance and fall risk assessment. Single Leg Step Down (SLSD) test, stair climbing test, 30-second sit-stand test, and timed up and go test (TUG) were used to evaluate functional level. For quality of life, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Tegner Activity Scale and Surgical Satisfaction Survey were used. The average age of the individuals participating in the study was found to be 51.6±4.9 years. Joint range of motion, edema volumes, proprioception measurement results, and SLSD score of the non-operated and operated extremities were significantly different (p<0.001). In the BIODEX evaluation, m-CTSIB eyes open-hard floor score was found to be significantly related to the fall risk score (p<0.05 r=0.549). Operated knee 30° proprioception measurements were found to be significantly negatively correlated with operated knee muscle strength (p<0.05 r=0.676). Questionnaire results assessing functional status and quality of life were found to be related. It was shown that the functional level evaluation results of the operated extremity of the participants were worse than the non-operated extremity. Risk of falling with balance parameters; The relationship between the decrease in muscle strength and proprioceptive sensory perception was shown in our study. We recommend that the evaluation be carried out with a larger number of participants in order to see the impact of the evaluated parameters on each other.