ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF EITHER SIMULTANEOUS OR STAGED BILATERAL TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY AT YEAR ONE

Objective: We aimed to assess preoperative condition and postoperative 6th and 12th monthly results of simultaneous and staged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) through such scoring system (WOMAC, KSS) that evaluates functional domain of daily living activities in gonarthrosis cases. Material and Method: 50 patients were included to the study, which were operated upon the diagnosis of bilateral gonarthrosis secondary to degenerative arthritis in our clinic in between 2005 and 2007. Group 1 consisted of staged bilateral TKA cases, applied in 3 month intervals; whereas group 2 comprised simultaneous bilateral TKA cases. Group 1 had 26 patients, including 19 women and 7 men with a mean age of 62.1 (range: 57-74); whereas group 2 had 24 patients, including 16 women and 8 men with a mean age of 64.3 (range: 58-75). Assessment of functional status of the cases was performed before and after the operation by WOMAC, and KSS scoring systems. Results: According to WOMAC criteria, while good-excellent results were observed in 16 patients (61%) at the end of 6 months in group 1, additional three patients reported good-excellent results after 6 months, which summed up 19 patients (73%) at the end of 1st year In group 2, nine patients (37.5%) at month 6, and 17 patients (70.8%) at month 12 gave good-excellent results. In terms of KSS criteria, 18 patients (69.2%) in group I revealed good-excellent results at 6th month, and same criteria were met by 19 patients (73%) at the end 1st year In group 2, 12 patients (50%) at 6th month, and 17 patients (70.8%) at 12th month reported good-excellent results. Conclusion: Bilateral total knee arthroplasty performed during the same session had greater morbidity and gave poorer functional results for first year, compared to staged bilateral TKA. Considering the age of patient, presence of concomitant diseases, and quality and expectancy of life, these findings has shown that staged total knee arthroplasty is a safer approach in cases with bilateral gonarthrosis.