Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan CYK(1), Poon MY(1), Leung KY(1), Louie TMF(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH)
Introduction :
Knee replacement surgery is an effective treatment options for symptom relief and functional restoration of patients with osteoarthritis knee. However, there are limited local studies on life functioning recovery after knee replacement surgery. A comprehensive and objective evaluation allows practitioners to make adjustment on people-centred rehabilitation plan for resuming or enhancing the life functioning of patients.
Objectives :
To evaluate the change of life functioning of patients who received TKR.
Methodology :
Prospective cohort study was conducted. 30 patients who received TKR in the AHNH joint replacement center and referred to the Occupational Therapy department from December 2018 to May 2019 were recruited. Life Functioning Assessment Inventory (L-FAI) was conducted by occupational therapists via semi-structured interview as an evaluation of life functioning. The inventory consists of four domains including homemaker, social, leisure and worker. Each domain score ranges from 1 to 10, with higher score indicates better function, based on the complexity of functioning activities and contribution to self and others, and priority for specific domain. Demographic data and pre-operative L-FAI scores were obtained during admission period. At 6 weeks, post-operative L-FAI scores were obtained during out-patient consultation.
Result & Outcome :
In total 29 patients, 10 males and 19 females were included in the analysis, one patient was excluded due to the need of transfer to convalescence institution. The mean age was 70 years old, ranged from 58 to 83 years old. Average length of stay was 3.29 days. 72.9% of patients received unilateral TKR with the remaining received same stage bilateral TKR. The mean scores of L-FAI of pre-operative leisure, social, homemaker and worker domains were 4.46, 6.68, 4.89 and 3.14 respectively while the post-operative scores were 4.71, 6.79, 4.75 and 3.11 respectively. Minimal but not statistically significant changes in mean scores were noted in all domains (p>0.05). Subjective factors on changes in life functioning including pain intensity and availability of family support were collected from patients. To conclude, this study reviewed the change and subjective facilitators or barriers in life functioning recovery of patients after TKR. The 6-week post-operative life functioning profile of patients with osteoarthritis knee after TKR is comparable to that before operation.
