Clinical And Functional Outcomes Following the Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Short Term Analysis Study

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease-causing pain, stiffness, and functional limitations, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is the gold-standard surgical treatment for end-stage OA, offering pain relief and improved mobility. This study evaluates the short-term clinical and functional outcomes of TKA using validated scoring systems. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess postoperative pain relief, functional recovery, and complications following TKA in patients with advanced knee OA. Outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Study Design & Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics between November 2023 and January 2024. It included 20 patients (12 females, 8 males) with advanced knee OA who underwent TKA. The mean age of participants was 64 years (range: 58-72 years), and 24 knees were operated on, including 16 unilateral and 4 bilateral TKA cases. Postoperative rehabilitation followed early mobilization protocols. Data were analyzed for functional improvement, pain relief, and complications. Results: The mean KOOS score improved from 18.7% preoperatively to 91.2% postoperatively, demonstrating significant functional recovery. The mean VAS score decreased from 8.4 to 1.4, confirming substantial pain relief. Complications occurred in four patients (20%): two cases of superficial wound infection, one deep infection requiring prolonged antibiotics, and one case of delayed wound healing. No cases of implant failure, thromboembolism, or mortality were reported. Bilateral TKA cases had slightly higher complication rates but comparable functional outcomes to unilateral cases. Discussion: The findings align with global literature, reinforcing the effectiveness of TKA in pain relief and functional restoration.Gender and BMI had minimal impact on functional recovery, while early rehabilitation enhanced outcomes.Limitations include the small sample size and short follow-up duration.Conclusion: TKA significantly improves pain relief, mobility, and quality of life in advanced knee OA.With proper surgical techniques and postoperative care, complications are minimal, and outcomes are excellent.Future research should explore long-term implant durability and the role of robotic-assisted TKA.