Study: Hip or Knee Replacement Probably Won't Restore Complete Function

People who have undergone hip and/or knee replacement will not necessarily recover lower limb function equivalent to that of the average person, according to a study reported in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.

The team of French researchers, who conducted the study reported in the August issue of the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, said their findings should help patients awaiting surgery develop reasonable expectations.

The researchers conducted a national survey to compare the levels of disability of people with and without hip and knee arthroplasty. They estimated the prevalence of hip and/or knee replacement in the general French population at 1.2 percent.

The researchers found activity limitations to be greater among subjects who underwent replacement surgery in the following activities: climbing stairs, walking a distance of up to 500 meters, bending forward, cutting toenails, carrying things or shopping.

Other sources: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2003;62:748-754