Clinical and functional outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty: a South American perspective

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the clinical and functional outcomes as well as complications after primary total knee arthroplasty in a cohort of Chilean patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 191 total knee arthroplasties performed in 182 patients over an 8-year period, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The primary outcome measure was the rate of major complications. Secondary outcomes were minor complications, residual symptoms, level of satisfaction, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. RESULTS: Global complication rate was 15.5%, reintervention rate was 9.2%, and revision rate was 2.5%. Major and minor complications were seen in 9.2% and 5.1% of patients, respectively. Average Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was 77 points (14-100), and 90% of patients reported satisfaction with the procedure. At 2-year follow-up, 45.8% of patients had some degree of range of motion limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a medium-term follow-up complication rate comparable to those described in the literature. This is the first series to report on the clinical and functional outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty in a Chilean population.