The Study of Functional Outcomes Using Oxford Knee Score and Pain Visual Analog Scale Among Osteoarthritic Knee Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

Abstract

Background: Use of a patient-based outcome scoring systems has been advised to evaluate the contentment and quality of life led post knee replacement surgery. However, there exists a large number of scoring systems which obscures a clinician’s outlook while choosing an appropriate tool of evaluation.

Objective: To equate the functional outcomes pre- and post-operatively using oxford knee score (OKS) system and visual analog scale (VAS) in total knee replacement (TKR) of osteoarthritic patients. 

Methodology: All patients above the age of 50 years with moderate to severe osteoarthritis (according to OKS) with uni-/bi-lateral osteoarthritis were involved. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively for functional outcome and pain using the OKS and VAS, respectively. Patients were followed-up at 1^st, 3^rd, and 6^th month post-surgery for evaluation. All data were analyzed using MS Excel 2007 and R-software 1.2.5001.

Result: An overall of 20 patients mostly consisting of females (65%) with a median age of 68.95±4.09 years were predominantly diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (50%). Most of the patients underwent right TKR (55%). Score obtained during the 1^st, 3^rd, and 6^th month follow-up post-operatively using OKS and VAS were statistically significantly different (P-value <0.0001) compared to pre-operative score. The association of TKR surgery with OKS and VAS was statistically insignificant (P-value >0.05).

Conclusion: Both OKS and VAS provided consistent functional outcomes suggesting improved management of pain and better functional movement in TKR of osteoarthritic patients.