Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the condition of patients with locomotive syndrome (LS) and their improvement after undergoing surgery for degenerative musculoskeletal diseases using the new criteria, including stage 3.
Methods: In total, 435 patients aged ≥40 years (167 middle-aged and 268 older) were divided into four groups based on the disease location: the lumbar (n = 118), hip (n = 191), knee (n = 80), and foot and ankle (n = 46) groups. Patients were evaluated by pre- and 1 year postoperative LS risk tests, including the stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale.
Results: The pre- and postoperative prevalence of LS stage 3 were 78% and 29%, respectively. The postoperative LS stage improved in 62% of patients (77% and 53% in the middle-aged and older groups, respectively). Overall, the knee group showed the worst results, and the foot and ankle groups showed the best pre- and postoperative results. The pre- and postoperative prevalence of LS stage 3 according to the 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale were comparable to those based on the total assessment.
Conclusions: The new LS stage criteria are appropriate, and the 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale is a good option for evaluating patients requiring surgery.
Keywords: Degenerative musculoskeletal disease; evaluation; locomotive syndrome; prospective study; surgery.
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