Although functional questionnaire scores are substantially improved, they typically remain below agematched population norms in long-term assessments.
Scores usually level off 6 months after TKA, with incremental increases over the next
to 2 years, followed by a slow and steady decline over time, even in those patients without implant-related problems. Functional decline is associated with greater assistive-device use and diminished stair-climbing and walking ability.