A comparison of static and dynamic balance in patients with unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty

Objectives: Unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients were compared with respect to static and dynamic balance in the postoperative sixth and 12(th) months. Patients and methods: Eighty TKA patients 35 unilateral, 45 bilateral were assessed for static and dynamic balance using the balance master test device in sixth and 12(th) months after surgery. Patients were also measured with respect to Hospital for Special Surgery knee score and range of motions. Differences between groups were statistically evaluated using independent t-tests. Within-group time differences were statistically examined using paired t-tests. Correlation between the measurements was evaluated by the Pearson's analysis. Results: Sensory interaction balance and unilateral stance test of static balance assessment were similar in unilateral and bilateral TKA (p>0.05). Patients with bilateral TKA had statistically significantly better performance at the limits of stability of dynamic balance evaluations (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between rhythmic weight shift tests in the sixth and 12(th) months after surgery (p>0.05). Conclusion: In our study we concluded that while dynamic balance parameters in the daily activities of patients with bilateral TKA were expected to be better than patients with unilateral TKA, there was no significant difference between static balance parameters between the two groups.