Enhanced walking function and quality of life in unicondylar knee replacement patients through continuous nursing intervention: A clinical study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The knee joint anatomical structure is susceptible to external forces, which can lead to functional break down, profoundly affecting the quality of life and daily functioning of individuals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of continuous nursing intervention on walking function, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction in patients undergoing unicondylar knee replacement. METHODS: This prospective study included 90 patients who underwent unicondylar knee arthroplasty due to unicondylar osteoarthritis. Participants were divided into two groups based on their nursing methods: the control group (n= 45) and the observation group (n= 45). RESULTS: Three months post-intervention, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in knee joint range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score score, and Lysholm knee joint score compared to the control group (P< 0.05). The observation group also had a shorter completion time for the Timed Up and Go test and significantly higher SF-36 scores (P< 0.05 for both). Additionally, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores in the observation group were significantly higher after three months of intervention (P< 0.05). And the observation group reported higher satisfaction rates and lower dissatisfaction rates compared to the control group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early postoperative rehabilitation guidance, regular reviews, and rehabilitation exercise guidance result in better rehabilitation outcomes, enhanced knee joint function, improved walking ability, and overall quality of life for patients undergoing unicondylar knee replacement.