Between 1992 and 1993 we performed a prospective study of the effect of tot
al knee replacement (TKR) on the health status of 119 patients over the age
of 80 years who had had a primary unilateral TKR.
The Nottingham Health Profile was used to assess this before and at three a
nd 12 months after operation. We found a significant improvement in the sco
res for pain, emotional reaction, sleep and physical mobility at three mont
hs. After 12 months, the scores for pain and sleep were well maintained. Th
e other factors had deteriorated slightly but remained better than before o
peration.
Our findings show that TKR leads to a significant improvement in the genera
l health status of the very elderly.