Optimising Patients For A Successful TKR And Choosing The Winners

Abstract

Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most successful operations in the history of orthopaedic surgery and its effectiveness in relieving pain and improving functionin patients with end-stage advanced arthritis of knee is undisputed . Despite its scientific reputation as mainly successful, only 81% to 89% of patients are actually satisfied with the final result as per clinical literature. Awareness of the existence as well as identification of predictors of Patient - Surgeon disagreement, should help improve the dialogue that goes on between patients and surgeons, thus improving the clinical decision-making processes and making expectations more realistic in an attempt to enhance patient outcomes. Focussing on 5 major factors can help to ensure that patient safety is maintained, and satisfaction following a major surgery like TKR is enhanced :- 1.Correct patient selection, after a meticulous history taking and clinical examination, 2. Setting appropriate expectations 3. Avoiding preventable complications, 4. Adhering to the finer points of the surgical operation and following a meticulous surgical technique and 5. Using pre - and post- operative pathways. All these factors will help to ensure maximum patient satisfaction and aid in successful clinical outcome following Total Knee Replacement.