Squatting after primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study examining differences between genders

Abstract

Objective: To compare the weight bearing of men and women during standing and squatting after knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis.

Design: Two-group, single-surgeon study with patients selected consecutively through a sample of convenience. Patients evaluated at first outpatient rehabilitation visit and at discharge from outpatient services.

Setting: Outpatient orthopedic institute.

Participants: Seventeen women (average age, 71 years) and 16 men (69 years) who underwent primary unilateral knee replacement for osteoarthritis.

Main outcome measurements: Percentage of body weight placed over the surgical limb during standing and during 30° and 60° squats.

Results: The men placed a greater percentage of body weight over the surgical limb during the 30° and 60° squats, both at the initial visit and at discharge. Both women and men had similar improvements with all dependent measurements.

Conclusion: The magnitude of change for women and men was similar, yet percentage of body weight placed over the surgical limb in women was less than in men at the initial visit and did not match that in their male counterparts by discharge.