The Quality of Life (QOL) after Total Knee Arthroplasties among Saudi Arabians: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed in Saudi Arabia but there is very limited published data on outcome and quality of life (QOL) post Knee arthroplasty. To assess the QOL post TKA we performed this retrospective study. METHODS: Total Knee arthroplasty was started in mid- 2000’s at the university hospital. Fifty–two patients of TKA who came for follow up during the study period were asked to fill a pre-determined questionnaire and clinical examination, were included in the study. Patients were assessed and at 2 parameters pre and postoperative time-points, for pain [1-9], walking [1-9] and asked whether they would recommend the procedure to their relatives and friends, and finally whether they were satisfied with the outcome. RESULTS: We interviewed 52 patients (9 males and 43 females), mean age of 64.75 ± 7.90 years. Twenty (34.50%) had bilateral TKR, and the rest single sided. The preoperative night pain was 7.72 ± 2.03 compared to postoperative 1.92 ± 1.41 (P<0.001 (5.80 and < 6.47) and pain at walking was 8.39 ± 0.77 versus 2.39 ± 2.05 (P<0.001(5.40 and < 6.55). The overall satisfaction 93% (8.37 ± 1.32) and QOL as assessed preoperatively was 3.60 ± 2.15 and postoperatively was 8.41 ± 1.27 (P<0.001 (4.81and 4.13). Fifty-one (98.07%) patients indicated that they will recommend the procedure to others. CONCLUSIONS: The overall satisfaction and improvement of QOL in male patients was 93.77% and female patients 92.77% and all patients indicated that they will recommend others to undergo the similar procedure to improve their QOL.