Translated article] Total knee arthroplasty is effective in patients with Parkinson's disease. Functional assessment and analysis of complications

Abstract

IntroductionThanks to improvements in the medical treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), the life expectancy of these patients has increased, but the overall outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. We aim to analyse a series of patients with PD, evaluating their clinical status, functional results, complications and survival rates after TKA. MethodsWe retrospectively studied 31 patients with PD operated between 2014 and 2020. The mean age was 71 years (SD±5.8). There were 16 female patients. The mean follow-up was 68.2 months (SD±36). We used the knee scoring system (KSS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for the functional evaluation. The modified Hoehn and Yahr scale was used to assess the severity of PD. All complications were recorded, and survival curves were performed. ResultsThe mean postoperative KSS evaluation had an increase of 40 points [35 (SD±15) vs 75 (SD±15) (p<.001)]. The mean postoperative VAS decreased 5 points [8 (SD±2) vs 3 (SD±2) (p<.001)]. Thirteen patients reported being very satisfied, 13 were satisfied, and only 5 were poorly satisfied. Seven patients suffered surgical complications, and 4 patients had recurrent patellar instability. At a mean 68.2 months follow-up, the overall survival rate was 93.5%. When considering the secondary patellar resurfacing as the endpoint, the survival rate was 80.6%. ConclusionsIn this study, TKA was associated with excellent functional outcomes in patients with PD. At a mean 68.2 months follow-up, TKA had excellent survivorship in the short term, with recurrent patellar instability as the most common complication. Even though these findings confirm the effectiveness of TKA in this population, a thorough clinical evaluation and multidisciplinary approach are needed to decrease the likelihood of complications.