Health outcome after total knee replacement in the very elderly

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.