HEALTH AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE BEFORE AND AFTER HIP OR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

The impact of hip and knee arthroplasty based on the patients' own eva luations of their health, quality of life, and physical ability was as sessed using a cross-sectional study design. The eligibility criteria were a diagnosis of primary arthrosis, primary operation, and total jo int arthroplasty. Preoperative hip and knee patient groups were compar ed with similar groups who underwent arthroplasty 2 or 5 years previou sly. Subjective health outcome was assessed with the Nottingham health profile and a 15-dimensional, health-related quality of life measure. Patients' physical ability was assessed using a measure of activities of daily living. Major improvements were observed for pain, sleep, ra nge of motion, and physical ability. However, after surgery, patients were less healthy than the general population of the same age. The hea lth status of patients operated on 2 or 5 years ago was similar, sugge sting that health gains persist for several years.