Minimal Cases of Osteoarthritis May Lead to Higher TKA Complication Risk

Patients with minimal radiographic osteoarthritis prior to total knee arthroplasty may have a higher risk of complications than patients with severe osteoarthritis preoperatively, based on recent study data.

However, Mayo Clinic researchers found that both groups of patients showed similar pain relief, function and overall satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

The researchers identified 29 patients (31 knees) with minimal degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent TKA between 2000 and 2004. These patients were compared to a matched cohort of patients with severe OA.

At five years mean follow-up, preoperative and postoperative knee scores in the group with minimal OA were 63 points and 89 points, respectively. Those same scores were 59 points and 93 points, respectively, for patients with severe OA. The investigators found both groups had similar preoperative function scores and demonstrated increases in postoperative function.

Based on the results, at the last follow-up, 84 percent of patients with minimal OA and 81 percent of patients with severe OA reported mild or no pain, and 16 percent of patients with minimal OA and 19 percent of patients with severe OA reported moderate or severe pain. Among patients with minimal OA, the researchers found a 19 percent complication rate vs. a 3.1 percent complication rate among patients with severe OA.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the human body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine.