Assessment of Functional and Gait Efficiency in Patients after Knee Endoprosthesis

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis is a perennial and progressive disease, and its progression can only be slowed down. The disease incidences increase with age and are a large problem of the elderly. Women and people doing physical work are more often ill. Knee arthroplasty is the procedure carried out most often for advanced degenerative changes. The disease causes severe pain and limits joint movement, thus impairing professional and social life and hindering everyday activities. Replacing the knee joint reduces pain, improves the biomechanical conditions of the joint and gait, and allows to undertake physical activity, and thus positively impacts on the quality of life of patients. The aim of the research was to determine the functional and gait capabilities of patients rehabilitated after knee arthroplasty. Material and Method The research involved 60 patients, including 30 women and 30 men, who were subject to two researches: before and after surgery followed by rehabilitation. The author’s questionnaire, Laitinen scale was used for the research. The range of flexion and extension in the knee joint was assessed, and the “Up & Go” test was carried out. Statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out in the Statistica 13.0 program. Summary and Conclusions The research revealed that rehabilitation treatment positively impacts on improving functionality and gait in patients’ daily lives. The rehabilitation applied after knee arthroplasty significantly improved the range of flexion and extension movements in the knee joint. Moreover, a statistically significant increase in the level of balance and a decrease in the risk of falls in the researched persons was observed. In terms of all pain indicators assessed in the Laitinen questionnaire, statistically significant improvement was noted after the use of surgical treatment supplemented with rehabilitation.