FACTORS AFFECTING THE FALL RISK AND ASSISTIVE WALKING DEVICE USE OF PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Abstract

Objective
 In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk of falling
 in patients with advanced-stage knee osteoarthritis and
 the rates of assistive walking device use, and the factors
 affecting the use of these devices in such patients.
 Materials and Methods
 In this prospective, cross-sectional, observational
 study, we included 79 patients (72 females, 7 males;
 median age 60 years; range, 40 to 75) with advancedstage
 knee osteoarthritis. We assessed the balance
 status of the patients with the Berg Balance Scale,
 pain levels with the Numeric Rating Scale, selfreported
 disability scores with the Western Ontario
 and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index.
 Our primary outcome measurements were balance
 status, and assistive walking device usage rates of
 the patients. Secondary outcome measures were
 age, obesity, disease severity, pain levels, disability
 scores, and fall history.
 Results
 According to Berg Balance Scale, 40 (50.6 %)
 patients had a risk of fall. Assistive walking device
 usage rates were 21.5 % and 42.5 % for the total
 of the patients and for the patients at risk of falling,
 respectively. There was a statistically significant
 difference in assistive walking device use between
 those at risk of falling and those without (P