Associations between pre-operative radiographic changes and outcomes after total knee joint replacement for osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the influence of pre-operative X-ray changes on the response to total knee joint replacement (TKR). Methods: We included patients from one centre who underwent primary TKR (n = 478) for osteoarthritis in 2006 and 2007. The International Knee Society Score (IKSS) and Short Form Health Survey were collected pre-operatively and at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Pre-operative radiographs were read to assess Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grading, individual radiographic features using the OARSI atlas, and subchondral bone attrition using the Ahlbach method.The main independent variable was a modified (K-L) grade. The outcome variables were the IKSS pain and function scores. Covar..