Objective:

To evaluate perception of knee functionality and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in elderly patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods:

40 patients were studied at two moments of evaluation: in the preoperative period and eight weeks after surgery. HRQL was assessed using the MOS-SF-36 v2 (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

Results:

Sample (71.6 ± 8.1 years), mostly female (62.5%). The SF-36 v2 MOS results show an improvement in all dimensions of physical health in the second evaluation (p <0.05). In the field of mental health there has also been improvement in all dimensions, except vitality. The functionality of the knee improved in the subscales: symptoms (p = 0.015), pain (p <0.001) and quality of life (p <0.001).

Conclusion:

Patients evaluated eight weeks after TKA showed improvements in self-perceived health, quality of life, physical performance and pain.

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