Influence of preoperative patient factors on TKA outcomes

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most disabling diseases in developed countries. In later stages of the disease, surgical treatment becomes the main alternative. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) has proved a successful and cost-effective treatment for improving pain, function, mental health and overall quality of life in patients with severe knee arthritis. However up to 20% of patients are not satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. Being able to pre-operatively estimate which patient would have satisfactory results after the surgery is beneficial to guide further clinical decision. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the influence of pre-operative patient factors on patient reported outcome after TKA. Methods: 314 patients who underwent TKA in Vilnius University Hospital between end of 2012 and middle of 2014 year were included in a study. The influence of preoperative patient factors on the TKA outcome according to Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) change score was analyzed. Results: The preoperative WOMAC pain score was the strongest determinant of the WOMAC pain change score one year after TKA. The preoperative WOMAC function and SF-12 mental health scores were the strongest determinants of the WOMAC function change score one year after TKA. Conclusion: Lower preoperative knee pain, function scores and better mental health function results in greater chang