Predicting Acute Recovery of Physical Function Following Total Knee Joint Arthroplasty

The objective was to explore predictors of physical function during acute in-patient rehabilitation within a few days after TKA. Physical function status of participants (n = 72) three days after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the function subscale of the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC-function). Potential predictors of physical function were measured day one post-TKA. Their relationship with physical function was examined using backward elimination, multiple regression analyses. Older age and increased comorbidity were associated (R² = 0.20) with worse TUG times. Increased pain severity was associated (R² = 0.08) with worse WOMAC-function scores. Age, comorbidity, and pain severity should be considered when predicting which patients will struggle with acute recovery post-TKA.