Haemophilic; Arthropathy: Assessment of quality of life after total knee arthroplasty

The goal of this study was to examine how the known effects of total knee a rthroplasty (TKA) on clinical outcome parameters translate into improved qu ality of Life, as measured with validated condition-specific and generic qu estionnaires (Knee Society Score, WOMAC, SF-12, transition questions), addr essing physical, mental and social health. Eleven patients (13 knees) under going TKA from 1986 to 1994, with the diagnosis of severe haemophilic arthr opathy of the knee, were followed-up over a 4-year period on average. TKA w as found to reduce the burden of disease to levels similar to patients with osteoarthritis undergoing hip arthroplasty. Clinical and functional improv ement after TKA translated into a substantial and significant increase in q uality of life and patient satisfaction, found in objective as well. as in patient-perceived measures. However, the physical functional ability did no t reach the same level as in the corresponding population not affected by h aemophilia, due to residual symptoms and impairment of other joints.