TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY IN PARKINSONS-DISEASE

Total knee arthroplasty in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported only twice in the literature. Parkinson's disease is considered a contra-indication for total knee replacement by some authors. We report on a 77-year-old man with PD who underwent total knee arthroplasty for severe degenerative joint disease. The patient had a somewhat prolonged but successful rehabilitation as an inpatient and continued to make gains following discharge. Currently he is an independent functional ambulator. Based on our experience with this patient, we recommend that patients with PD who maintain ambulatory function prior to surgery and are cognitively able to integrate new knowledge and follow commands should be considered candidates for total knee replacement if it is indicated. Our patient demonstrates, however, that even in patients suffering from mild PD the rehabilitation process may be significantly prolonged and more difficult than in patients without PD. Objective studies evaluating the role of pre-surgical rehabilitation are needed. (C) 1994 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation