Knee pain and postural stability in women with gonarthrosis before and six months after unilateral total knee replacement

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate knee pain and postural stability in women with knee osteoarthritis (OA), who used postoperative home exercise program (HEP) with balance exercises. 14 women with knee OA in stage III–IV (aged 48–70 years) participated in this study before and 6 months after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). All patients performed HEP during 6 months after unilateral TKA. Data of patients was compared with healthy age-matched women (controls, n=10). Postural stability characteristics (centre of pressure (COP) displacement in the anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) direction, COP sway equivalent radius and area) during 30 s bipedal standing (eyes open) were recorded on two dynamographic force plates. Pain in knee joint was estimated with visual-analogue scale. COP displacement in AP direction of the operated and non-operated leg was greater (p<0.05) in women with knee OA before and 6 months after TKA compared to the controls. Knee joint pain in the operated leg reduced 70% after TKA. TKA together with HEP has an important role in preserving postural stability and reducing knee joint pain in women with III–IV stage gonarthrosis.