Understanding the Relationship Between Patients' Expectations and Satisfaction After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this needs assessment project are to determine if there is a gap in the preoperative expectations and degree of satisfaction expressed three months after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and if there is a need to modify patients’ preoperative education before undergoing primary TKA at Yee Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada. Background: The prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the United States increased in conjunction with an aging population and growing obesity epidemic. Joint replacement is performed to help decrease pain and improve quality of life among patients with knee OA. Methods: This project used a needs assessment survey and employed the use of descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and simple linear regression model, to examine the relationships among expectations and satisfaction level. Results: The sociodemographic data and a completion of a three-month follow-up were not predictive of the patients’ satisfaction level. The usage of a walking aid as a result of OA were not predictive of patients’ expectations. However, the feeling of preparedness demonstrated a higher expectation level. The degree of preoperative expectations was positively correlated with the satisfaction level three months after primary TKA. Conclusions: The surgeon’s preoperative discussion played a role in preparing patients regarding what to expect regarding the surgery, which contributed to a higher satisfaction level (85.2%) three months after the surgery. This suggests the importance of targeting patient education before undergoing primary TKA.