Articles

<b>Objective:</b> To identify and evaluate the main functional assessment tools applied in the postoperative monitoring of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to synthesize the functional outcomes reported through these instruments in the current scientific literature. <b>Method</b><b>ology</b><b>:</b> A structured review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Thirty-one peer-reviewed studies were selected through a targeted manual search based on predefined eligibility criteria. Included studies evaluated functional recovery following TKA using validated outcome measures such as the WOMAC, KSS, KOOS, IKDC, SF-36, and SANE. Data extraction focused on the instruments used, patient population characteristics, and reported outcomes. A descriptive synthesis was compiled in Table 1. Additionally, 15 studies with quantitative data were analyzed using a forest plot to illustrate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for functional improvement. Risk of bias was assessed qualitatively based on methodological rigor, clarity of reporting, and validation of the outcome tools. <b>Results:</b> All included studies reported improvements in functional status following TKA. Most risk ratios ranged from 0.66 to 0.85, indicating a consistent reduction in the risk of postoperative functional limitation. High-quality studies demonstrated more precise effect estimates and greater internal validity. The SANE scale emerged as a valid and practical tool with high responsiveness, including in its culturally adapted Brazilian version. Despite heterogeneity in study design, the direction of effect remained consistent across all included studies. <b>Conclusion:</b> Validated functional assessment tools are essential for monitoring recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Instruments such as WOMAC and SANE demonstrate strong clinical utility and psychometric validity. Their systematic use enhances outcome comparability, supports individualized rehabilitation planning, and improves decision-making in orthopedic care.

This exploratory review article synthesizes existing literature on the evolution and increasing significance of women's soccer, particularly in the United States. While acknowledging the sport's progress and the achievements of the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), it critically examines two key challenges that impede further advancement: the alarmingly high incidence of knee injuries among female players and the persistent underrepresentation of Black women. The review highlights the biomechanical factors contributing to these issues, emphasizing the need for footwear designed to accommodate the specific anatomical and functional requirements of female athletes. Furthermore, it explores the systemic barriers that contribute to the lack of diversity within the sport, advocating for equitable opportunities and support for Black women. This review concludes by underscoring the necessity for innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to ensure the continued growth and well-being of all participants in women's soccer, and identifies critical areas for future research in kinesiology and related fields.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. While surgical interventions such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are effective in severe cases, conservative treatments are critical for early and intermediate disease management. This review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of both conservative and surgical treatment approaches, including lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, pharmacological interventions, regenerative medicine, and surgical procedures. The integration of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized as a key strategy for optimizing clinical outcomes and tailoring interventions to disease severity.

<b>Background:</b> Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) a rare form of skeletal dysplasia with early-onset osteoarthritis affecting the hip and knee joints. There is paucity of evidence regarding the long term outcomes of arthroplasty in this patient cohort. This is the first study to describe the outcomes of bilateral arthroplasty of the hip and knee in patients with MED. <b>Methods:</b> A prospective study of patients with MED who underwent bilateral staged total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between July 2013 to April 2014. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic assessment including functional outcomes namely Merle d’aubigne score, Harris hip score (HHS), Knee society score (KSS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain were recorded in prospective database and evaluated. <b>Results:</b> 3 patients (female - 1 / male - 2) with MED who underwent bilateral lower limb arthroplasty of the hip and knee were reviewed periodically with an average followup of 7.31 years. Mean preoperative Merle d'Aubigné score (6.33 ± 0.58), HHS (31.83 ± 5.31) and KSS (28.67 ± 7.97) increased following bilateral lower limb arthroplasty with mean postoperative Merle d'Aubigné score (16.33 ± 0.58), HHS (84.33 ± 5.99) and KSS (86.33 ± 7.09) (<i>P</i><0.001). Mean NRS decreased from 7.33 ± 0.58 in the preoperative period to 0.67 ± 0.58 at the most recent followup (<i>P</i><0.001). One patient had heterotrophic ossification following<b> </b>THA. There were no revisions.<b> </b><b>Conclusions:</b> Bilateral lower limb arthroplasty of the hip and knee is a good treatment option to restore function and mobility in MED patients with advanced degenerative arthritis. Careful preoperative planning, meticulous surgical techniques, patient focussed postoperative rehabilitation with multidisciplinary team approach are vital to ensure good functional outcomes and implant survivorship.