Recovery process of physical function and health-related quality of life after total knee arthroplasty

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate patients' recovery process of physical function and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). [Subjects] The subjects were 40 knee osteoarthritis patients in TKA rehabilitation. [Methods] The Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), the knee extensor strength, and one-leg standing (OLS) time with open eyes were measured. The Modified-WOMAC and the SF-36 were used for evaluation of HRQOL. [Results] All the scores, including the Modified-WOMAC pain score and the SF-36 scores of physical functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions and social functioning at one month post-TKA and the Modified-WOMAC knee function score at three months post-TKA, were significantly improved. All the scores regarding physical function and HRQOL were significantly negatively correlated in terms of changes and initial values, except the OLS time with open eyes. [Conclusion] These results suggest that HRQOL improves within one month following TKA, and that physical function improves within three months after TKA.