Comparison of probability of falls in elderly underwent unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty, using Berg Balance scale Test

To prospectively investigate the physical function and falls among elderly patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

A total of 30 patients (3 male, 27 female) over 60 years of age who underwent TKA and were living independently were enrolled. Patients with UTKA (n 15) and BTKA (n 15) were evaluated before, 1, 2, and 3 months after TKA. They were assessed using Berg Balance scale Test. All the patients received standard rehabilitation programs during this period.

One month post operation, both groups of patients experienced significant losses from preoperative levels in all outcomes (P<.05). Unilateral TKA Patients recovered to preoperative levels after 3 months postoperatively in all measures. Compared to bilateral TKA, unilateral TKA patients did not perform significantly different for Berg Balance scale test (P=0.47).

The persistent impairments and functional limitations 3 months after TKA with standard rehabilitation protocol suggest that more intensive therapeutic approaches may be necessary to restore function of patients following TKA. Individuals with unilateral knee OA have deficits in balance, and function compared to bilateral TKA.