Patient Experience of Kneeling Ability Following Knee Arthroplasty - A Preliminary Study of a Kneeling-Specific Questionnaire.

Abstract

Background: Kneeling after knee replacement is an underemphasized functional outcome and one that can be significantly altered by surgery. To better understand patient experience of kneeling, we set out to create a novel questionnaire. Materials and Methods: We identified 162 sequential patients (80 Total, 82 Partial knee replacements). All had a minimum follow up of 12 months. Results: 84 questionnaires were returned (45 TKR, 39 PKR). 60% TKR and 69% PKR patients reported some form of kneeling ability. If achieved, kneeling was rarely possible before 7 months. 65% of all patients who could kneel reported comfortable kneeling on hard surfaces such as concrete. 10% of all patients completely lost ability to kneel. Lost kneeling significantly impacted on employment opportunities and quality life. Conclusion: Patients are concerned about kneeling and the potential impacts on quality of life and employment should be discussed during the consent process along with the approximate time scales for re-achieving kneeling and surfaces upon which this may be possible.