Health-Related Quality of Life Post Hip & Knee Arthroplasties

Abstract

Total arthroplasties are commonly performed orthopedic procedure with an increasing rate of utilization. Arthroplasties are Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) causes pain and the restriction of the movement of the affected joint and the worsening of the quality of life . The effective surgical treatment for OA is an arthroplasty.  Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been shown to significantly decrease joint pain and improve joint movement. Furthermore, arthroplasty has shown general positive changes in the quality of life, not only in the improvement of operated hip and knee joints. Although there are number of studies evaluating patient outcomes after THR and TKR with respect to physical functioning and pain relief, relatively few studies have specifically evaluated changes in health-related quality of life (QOL). We reviewed a total of studies that evaluated changes in QOL after THR & TKR. Results of all studies were consistent in showing beneficial and often dramatic improvements in QOL after elective THR & TKR. These improvements were most likely to occur within the first 3 to 6 months of procedure.