The Effects of Osteoarthritis on Quality of Life (QoL)

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Functionality and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total arthroplasty of the knee. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Ziauddin hospital, Karachi from April 2018 until August 2018, making up 40 individuals who have osteoarthrosis of the knee with an indication for total arthroplasty and not being carriers of any other disease affecting the limbs lower. Two scales of evaluation were applied at two different times: pre and postoperative. Health status questionnaire (SF-36) and Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) was applied and answered in the preoperative period (on the day of surgery) and the sixth postoperative week. Results: Regarding the dimensions of activities of daily living and activities, sporting and leisure activities were not statistically significant. Our results go against the conclusions reported by Culliton [1], in a study of 13 patients submitted to TKA. The participants were evaluated before the arthroplasty and four weeks later and the results showed that there was a tendency for pain to decrease in that period. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there was a tendency to decrease pain in this period accompanied by an improvement in the quality of life. Taking into account the results obtained, and stressing the concept that quality of life is related to the state of health of the person and that pain and functional limitation caused by OA negatively influence the well-being and the performance of the activities of the person's daily life, it can be concluded that the TCA contributes to the improvement of the performance of the person. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Joint, Arthroplasty, Articular cartilage, Osteoarthrosis, Knee injury, QoL.