Patient Dissatisfaction Following Total knee Arthroplasty (Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis)

Abstract

In advanced painful osteoarthritis of the knee, the last resort is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). TKA is a very successful form of treatment for degenerative osteoarthiritis of the knee. The demand for TKA is growing around the world because of the aging population and the need to preserve people's quality of life. However, one in every 300 knee arthroplasties, pain without any known explanation will be present. The pain may occur either at rest or with movement. The knee may have a good range of motion, and objective evaluation of the prosthesis may show a perfect result, with good positioning of the implants seen on radiographs, yet the patient complains of pain. Adequate assessment of this condition is important for orthopedists who carry out TKA. Satisfaction with TKA is primarily determined by patients` expectations, and not their absolute level of function. Real improvements in the outcome of TKA must address prevention of residual pain, stiffness and swelling, and each patient`s postoperative concept of the likely outcome of these procedures. Several functional disabilities were related with patient dissatisfaction. The top five severe functional disabilities were difficulties in kneeling, squatting, sitting with legs crossed, sexual activity, and recreational activities. The top five in order of perceived importance were difficulties in walking, usin