Prevalence of fall in Patients with Total Knee
Arthroplasty Living in the Community
Apirada Soison BSc*,
Saowaluck Riratanapong BSc*, Nopporn Chouwajaroen BSc*, Chindawan Chantowart BSc*,
Ladawan Buranapiyawong BSc*, Sagheemas Kaewkot BSc*, Weerachai Kosuwon BSc, MSc, MD**
Affiliation :
* Orthopedic Nurse, Nursing Division, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine,
Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
** Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Knee osteoarthritis (OA) with pain, stiffness and functional limitations is associated with risk of falls. Total
knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for OA knee and affords significant improvements in pain, function and
proprioception. Many studies have shown proprioceptive/balance deficits and decreases in knee extension strength following
TKA, which could increase risk of falls.
Objective : To identify the prevalence rate and fall-risk in Thai TKA patients.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with TKA diagnosed with primary OA who
living in the community.
Results : There were 54 patients (46 females, 8 males). Mean time between surgery and interview was 38.916.6 (7-73) months.
The one-year prevalence of falls among patients was 42.6% (23/54 patients): total frequency was 34 times (1-4 times/case).
Three fallers needed treatment: one by open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws of periprosthetic fracture
of the femur, and the others needed hospitalization due to hemathrosis of non-TKA knees. The WOMAC pain and stiffness
scores were significantly higher in the faller group than the non-faller group. Limitation of joint motion was the main
fall-risk factor (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1-67.2, p<0.05).
Conclusion : The prevalence rate of falls for this group of TKA patients was about 42%. Limited motion and pain of the
knee joint were associated with falls in this study group.
Keywords : Elderly, Falls, Total knee arthroplasty, Community
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