Early postoperative predictors of satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty

Despite the excellent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results reported using traditional outcome measures, dissatisfaction rates of up to 30% are reported following surgery. Although several preoperative factors have been identified as possible predictors of satisfaction, there is conflicting evidence. Identification of dissatisfaction in the early postoperative assessment may therefore be an alternative consideration.

We examined the relationship between 12-month satisfaction, and early post-operative outcomes in a cohort of 486 TKA patients. Preoperative, and postoperative outcome measures at 3- and 12-months (Oxford knee score, pain score, SF12, and knee motion), were analysed and compared between patients who were satisfied and dissatisfied at 12-months following TKA. Mean scores, and postoperative change in scores were calculated. Postoperative outcomes were examined for correlation with satisfaction, and multivariate logistic regression models used to identify potential predictors of dissatisfaction.

Overall satisfaction was 77.0%. No preoperative differences were observed between groups. Dissatisfaction was associated with worse postoperative status across all outcome measures ( p < 0.001), except the 3-month SF12-physical component ( p = 0.052). Dissatisfied patients demonstrated minimal further improvement or even worsening of outcome scores between 3- and 12-months postoperatively ( p < 0.02). Both the 3-month OKS (OR = 1.15, p < 0.001), and knee flexion (OR = 1.03, p = 0.009) were significant predictors of subsequent 12-month satisfaction.

Dissatisfaction following TKA is associated with worse outcomes as early as 3 months following surgery, with minimal further improvement subsequently achieved at 12-months. Early postoperative assessment following TKA should therefore be considered, including clinical assessment, to identify those patients at risk of dissatisfaction.