Factors related to functional outcomes and quality of life after knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to describe the early evolution of functional capacity and health related quality of life (HRQL) in patients in rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty, and to identify predictive factors of better outcomes. PATIENTS FIND METHODS: Prospective cohort of 141 patients with knee arthroplasty which immediately after the intervention were referred to the rehabilitation unit. The functional capacity (Knee Society Score, KSS) and the HRQL (Medical Outcomes Study Survey Form 36, MOS SF36) were administrated in the first visit and at 3 months of follow-up. Changes between the interval and factors associated to better outcomes were analysed with nonparametric test and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Patients with knee artrhoplasty experienced an important improvement in the KSS score and in 6 dimensions of the MOS-SF36 (except emotional role and general health). Worst functional status and quality of life at the time of starting rehabilitation, rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and gender (women) were associated with worse prognosis. Age, comorbidity, study level, work situation, social help, live alone and ambulatory treatment were not associated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in rehabilitation after knee artrhoplasty improve their functional status and quality of life. The identification of factors with worst prognosis could be useful to modify treatments in some patient's groups.