Determination of Factors Affecting the Incidence of Falls, Fear of Falling, and Functional Status in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the incidence of falls, fear of falling, pain, and functional status in patients after TKA. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital located in the west of Turkey and included 177 patients who had unilateral or bilateral TKA at least one 1 year ago. Data were collected using a Patient Description Form, the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.81 ± 7.71 years, and it was found that approximately one-fifth of them had fallen preoperatively and approximately one-fourth had fallen postoperatively. The mean score for fear of falling (FES-I) was 28.59 ± 7.85 and the mean functional status score (OKS) was 35.73 ± 7.44. Fear of falling was found to decrease significantly as the postoperative time increased. Conclusions It was found that falls continued postoperatively in patients who underwent TKA. It was thought that falls adversely affected the functional status of the patients and that physical therapy could be effective in preventing falls. Providing physical therapy support and comprehensive discharge training for all patients, particularly for patients at risk, may be effective in preventing possible falls. In addition, it is recommended to follow up patients postoperatively, evaluate home conditions in terms of fall risks, and establish evidence-based standards for prevention of falls.