The hip and knee replacement operation: an extensive life event

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Total hip and knee replacements effectively reduce pain and disability in osteoarthritis patients.
• Despite risks, patients are mobilized and discharged quickly after surgery.
• Life reflections are associated with the experience of joint replacement surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the meaning of reflections experienced by patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.

Main Methods:

• A phenomenological hermeneutical approach was employed.
• A longitudinal design tracked patient experiences throughout the perioperative period.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: choosing the challenge, connecting past memories to the present, transitioning from happiness to ordinary life, and moving from despair to reluctant acceptance.
• Patients engaged in inner negotiations regarding surgery and experienced existential anxiety.
• Reflections included life and death, hope and fear, influenced by prior care experiences.

Conclusions:

• Hip and knee replacement surgery is a profound life event involving deep personal reflections.
• Pre-existing experiences with care influenced patients' coping mechanisms for fear and hope.
• Post-operative outcomes determined the transition towards ordinary life or acceptance of unmet expectations.