[Comparative results of total knee arthroplasty according to age].
OBJECTIVE
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become a routine technique in patients of "almost" any age. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of TKA according to patient age.


METHODS
A prospective study was performed in 112 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent TKA from March 1st, 2007 through May 31st, 2007. There were two groups; the first comprised 61 patients aged 65- to 75-years-old and the second included 51 patients aged 76- to 85-years-old. Sociodemographic data and health system use were evaluated. The results were evaluated by using the Hospital Special Surgery (HSS) scale, the SF-36 health survey questionnaire, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and joint measurement with manual goniometrics. The patients were evaluated before surgery and at 6 months after surgery.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed between the two groups. Complications and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. A greater proportion of older patients were referred to a rehabilitation hospital but this difference was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study were similar to those of other studies that found that greater age does not lead to worse functional results.
Moreno Palacios
Juan Antonio
JA
Servicio de Rehabilitación del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España. jamp6560@hotmail.com
Cátedra Vallés
Elena
E
Plazas Andreu
Natividad
N
Sancho Loras
Ricardo
R
Manjón-Cabezas Subirats
Joaquina
J
Mozo Muriel
Angela
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome