Analysis of Spatiotemporal Gait Variables before and after Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

This study aimed (a) to evaluate the spatiotemporal gait variables of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before (pre-) and after the procedure (post-), and (b) to investigate the influence of the surgical side on these variables. Twenty-one volunteers (13 females and 8 males) participated, undergoing assessments pre-surgery and nine to 12 months post-surgery. Clinical tests indicated significant reductions in knee pain and improvements in active and passive extension post-surgery. TKA resulted in decreased pain, extension deficits, and functional assessments, with lower scores on the WOMAC questionnaire. A gait analysis showed post-surgery improvements in gait speed (5.8%), cycle time (−4.8%), step time (4.4%), double limb support time (−11.1%), step (4.4%) and stride (6.3%) lengths, and step (5.1%) and stride (5.0%) cadences. Comparisons between surgical side and limb dominance indicated significant differences in gait speed, stance, swing and step times, double limb support time, step and stride lengths, and step cadence. The non-dominant limb demonstrated greater improvements across most parameters compared to the dominant limb. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the limb dominance of patients with knee osteoarthritis when evaluating post-TKA function. These conclusions can be helpful for personalized rehabilitation programs, allowing tailored interventions for individuals undergoing knee surgery.

Keywords

• knee
• arthroplasty
• gait analysis
• biomechanics