The regime in the aftercare after total hip and knee arthroplasty(THA/TKA) differs a lot between orthopedic surgeons concerning weight bearing. The type of implant and the way of implants' anchoring are considered. In the literature there is no data so far about the way patient take care of the recommended weight bearing during the first 6 weeks after THA and TKA. Over a one year period starting August 2010 all patients undergoing TKA or THA at the investigators institution will have a technical device in their shoes (sole) to measure the load in each step they do in these shoes during the first 6 weeks. Patients are asked to fill out a standardised pain protocol every day (VAS) and document need of pain medication. The investigators recommend 20kg of weight on the operated leg for 6 weeks and full weight bearing at the end of week six. The investigators believe that patients will adjust weight bearing to their level of pain and not to their surgeons recommendations.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Kantonsspital Münsterlingen
Münsterlingen, Thurgau, Switzerland
full weight bearing allowed and accomplished end of 6th week
full weight bearing allowed and accomplished, documented by special soles with an electronic device, which will record weight bearing continuously on an USB stick
Time frame: 6 weeks
pain under partial weight bearing (recommended)
Patients will have a official standardised pain diary and should document their pain and need of analgetics according to instructions given (VAS, "Schweizer Krebsliga") at least on a daily basis.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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