Knee replacement is an effective treatment in late-stage osteoarthritis. It reduces pain and improves quality of life. There is, however, limited data concerning its results in older people and on its effect on how patients survive in regular activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing and shopping. In this study, the results of knee replacement are evaluated from the point of view of disability in everyday activities and self-rated health. Moreover, association with ADL performance and clinical knee scores and severity of osteoarthritis are assessed.

This is a cross-sectional study with a 12 month follow-up for recruited patients. Most data are gathered by a postal questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 75 years or more at the time of operation
• diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
• scheduled for or operated on with primary knee replacement

Exclusion Criteria:

• died during the follow-up
• inflammatory arthritides

Patients refererred to or operated on with primary knee replacement in a population-based tertiary care hospital