Abstract
It is estimated that up to a third of recipients of total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
experience chronic pain postoperatively. However, there are no clear indications within
the literature that predict which patients are at higher risk of being dissatisfied
with their TKA. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
is one of the most commonly used, patient-reported outcome measures in patients with
lower limb osteoarthritis. This review discusses the available evidence surrounding
the predictability of the outcome of TKA using the WOMAC score as well as considering
further patient factors that have been implicated in the level of improvement post
TKA. It may be concluded from the available literature that a combination of knee
scores and patient factors would be the most accurate way of predicting those patients
most likely to have a good outcome from their TKA. There is some disparity within
the literature about which patient factors and reported outcome measure scores lead
to a positive postoperative outcome. Patient expectations following the procedure
also need to be evaluated, as objective measures on a scoring system do not necessarily
equate with the subjective patient experience.
Keywords
total knee arthroplasty - outcome measures - satisfaction
