Quality of life and life-space mobility after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot case-controlled study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify factors inhibiting improvement in the quality of life after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [Participants and Methods] This was a pilot case-control study. The sample comprised of five participants with rheumatoid arthritis and 11 participants with osteoarthritis, who underwent total knee arthroplasty. We compared the groups in terms of physical function, walking ability, Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure, and Life-Space Assessment. Measurements were taken before surgery and at four weeks and five months post-surgery. All patients underwent rehabilitation for five months postoperatively, first as inpatients, and then as outpatients after discharge. [Results] In the period from 4 weeks to 5 months post-surgery, physical function improved similarly in both groups in terms of muscle strength and walking ability. Despite the patients with rheumatoid arthritis being younger, their self-health assessment score by the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure and measures of life-space mobility by Life-Space Assessment were lower. [Conclusion] It is important to consider exercise therapy, and gait instruction to alleviate anxiety about health status and improve the quality of life and life-space mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who undergo total knee arthroplasty.