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Background and purpose Radiographic and clinical survival analyses of revision total knee replacement (TKR) are considered acceptable outcome measures. However, the full influence of revision knee replacement on the overall health status of patients remains poorly defined.Methods We prospectively studied the health-related quality of life outcome in 94 patients who underwent revision knee replacement surgery over a 5-year period. Comparisons were drawn between the Nottingham health profile (NHP) scores and the Knee Society score pre-revision, and those obtained at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years after revision knee arthroplasty.Results We found a significant improvement in Knee Society score and NHP pain scores 3 and 12 months after revision TKR (p < 0.05). No other modalities of the NHP showed a significant change. 5 years after surgery, pain was less than before revision (p = 0.2), but energy level was considered worse (p = 0.07). Knee Society scores were found to be higher pre-and postoperatively for patients undergoing revision for reasons other than sepsis than for patients with sepsis. Patients requiring implantation of a hinged prosthesis also had lower Knee Society scores than those patients receiving a non-hinged implant. Repeated revision was associated with a downward trend in Knee Society score with each surgical intervention.

A randomized controlled trial was done to compare the results of carpal tunnel decompression using the standard open approach and the Knifelight technique. Twenty-six patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome requiring operation were selected for the study and the operative technique was randomized for the first hand. Six weeks later, the second hand was operated upon using the alternate technique. There was little difference between the two techniques with regard to time taken to return to work, return of grip strength, symptom relief, complications, incidence of pillar pain and patient preference. However, the incidence of scar tenderness was significantly lower with the Knifelight technique.

Between 1992 and 1994 we performed a prospective study of the effect of total knee replacement (TKR) on the health status of 119 patients over the age of 80 years who had had a primary unilateral TKR. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to assess this before and at three and 12 months after operation. We found a significant improvement in the scores for pain, emotional reaction, sleep and physical mobility at three months. After 12 months, the scores for pain and sleep were well maintained. The other factors had deteriorated slightly but remained better than before operation. Our findings show that TKR leads to a significant improvement in the general health status of the very elderly.

Between 1992 and 1994 we performed a prospective study of the effect of total knee replacement (TKR) on the health status of 119 patients over the age of 80 years who had had a primary unilateral TKR. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to assess this before and at three and 12 months after operation. We found a significant improvement in the scores for pain, emotional reaction, sleep and physical mobility at three months. After 12 months, the scores for pain and sleep were well maintained. The other factors had deteriorated slightly but remained better than before operation. Our findings show that TKR leads to a significant improvement in the general health status of the very elderly.