Increase in life quality (SF-36) after implantation of a knee endoprosthesis

From a group of 41 consecutive patients receiving an endoprosthetic knee re placement 35 patients underwent complete pre- and postoperative documentati on of life quality in the short term follow-up. The comparison of pre- and postoperative life quality assessment with the S F-36 form showed significant differences on the 5% level for the categories "somatic pain" and "psychological wellness". The parameter "somatic functi onality" showed with a P-value of 0.0616 almost significant improvement. Th e other parameters also showed improved values without reaching statistical significance. In summary, after implantation of a total knee replacement a n improvement of life quality can be documented.