Article

Our previous study showed that 6 months after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or
total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patients reported having less difficulty with
daily activities, showed better functional capacity, and performed activities in
their natural environment faster compared to preoperatively. However, their
actual daily activity level was not significantly improved. Six months is a
rather short follow-up period and the discrepancy in recovery among different
aspects of functioning might be explained by this limited duration of follow-up.
The objective of the present study was to examine the recovery of different
aspects of physical functioning at a follow-up nearly 4 years after THA/TKA.
Special attention was given to the actual daily activity level, and whether it
had increased 4 years after THA/TKA compared to 6 months postoperatively.
Seventy-seven (35 hip, 42 knee) patients who were measured preoperatively and
postoperatively (6 months after surgery) in a previous study were invited to
participate; 44 patients (23 hip, 21 knee) agreed to participate. The 4-year
follow-up data were compared with the preoperative and 6-month postoperative
data. The daily activity level after 4 years was found to be actually lower than
at 6 months post-surgery (128 min vs. 138 min activity per 24h; p-value 0.48).
However, the patients continued to improve in other aspects of physical
functioning. In conclusion, 4-year post-surgery patients continued to improve on
perceived physical functioning, capacity, and performance of activities in daily
life. However, even in this relatively healthy study population, patients did not
adopt a more active lifestyle
4 years after surgery.
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Langue : ANGLAIS