Assessment of Alterations in Gait Parameters of Chronic Total Knee Arthroplasty – An Observational Study

Walking pattern, known as gait, is crucial for staying mobile and independent. The gait cycle, initiating and concluding with a foot's heel hitting the ground, is essential for daily activities. Knee joint bears substantial load while walking. Total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is an effective surgical solution to relieve arthritis-related pain and enhance quality of life. Osteoarthritis can cause gait alterations due to pain and restricted motion, necessitating TKA. Changes in gait persist post-TKA; result inconsistencies suggest further investigation is needed. The knee is a crucial link in the body's kinetic chain, influencing the biomechanics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints as osteoarthritis progresses. Physiotherapy after TKA is essential for preventing complications, reducing pain, swelling, and restoring mobility. Typically, physiotherapy lasts for three months before transitioning to a home exercise regimen. However, patient adherence to long-term exercise protocols can be inconsistent. Therefore, studying gait parameter changes 1 year after TKA is crucial to assess long-term impacts. An observational study assessed 30 participants over 50 years of age for gait parameters such as cadence, step length, stride length, step width, speed, and knee flexion angle. The analysis showed that 36% of subjects experienced alterations in gait parameters 1 year after TKA, notably a significant reduction in knee flexion angle during the swing phase. This emphasizes the importance of continuing exercises and follow ups with healthcare providers including physiotherapist even after the physiotherapy sessions have ended, which typically occurs after 3-6 months.