Total knee replacement (TKR) significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients, in addition to relieving pain and improving function in patients with advanced knee arthritis. This is according to a study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether TKR had any effects on balance measures in correlation with functional balance and quality of life.

"Balance is critical to the elderly, especially those with knee problems. This study reinforced our hypothesis about how an osteoarthritic patient's function is compromised not only due to pain, but also by balance," said study author Leonid Kandel, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

The study included 63 patients, with a mean age of 73 years, who had total knee replacements and participated in follow-up evaluations after 1 year. The study measured accurately static and dynamic balance with a computerized system.

The study found:

• Significant improvement in dynamic balance 1 year after surgery;
• Significant progress in balance-determined motor tests; and
• Strong statistical correlation between the balance and the Oxford Knee Score functional questionnaire and the quality of life questionnaire SF-36.

One year after surgery, the correlation between patients' improved balance and their ability to walk and perform daily activities was stronger than the correlation between their reduced pain and their ability to walk and do daily activities.

"We are learning that pain relief may not be the only benefit that improves function after knee replacement," Kandel said. "This improved balance is a significant quality-of-life change in elderly patients."

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