Top ten research priorities for problematic knee arthroplasty.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient-Centered Research
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Persistent symptoms after knee arthroplasty present significant challenges for patients and clinicians.
• A need exists to identify and prioritize research questions that address these unmet needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish research priorities for the assessment, management, and rehabilitation of patients experiencing persistent symptoms after knee arthroplasty.
• To bring together patients, carers, and clinicians to identify key uncertainties in knee arthroplasty care.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the James Lind Alliance protocol for a Priority Setting Partnership.
• Convened a steering group of diverse stakeholders including patients and healthcare professionals.
• Conducted national surveys to gather unanswered questions, followed by interim and final prioritization surveys and consensus meetings.

Main Results:

• Received 769 questions, refined to 32 unique questions.
• An interim survey with 201 respondents informed a shortlist for a final consensus meeting.
• Ten key research priorities were identified and ranked by consensus.

Conclusions:

• The top ten research priorities focus on pain, infection, stiffness, health service configuration, management strategies, and outcome measures.
• This prioritized list will direct research funding and efforts within the knee arthroplasty field.
• The findings will guide future research to improve patient outcomes after knee replacement.