A new methodology for patient education in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

We established a method in which patients are instructed before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a differentiated way without the necessity of reading any self-orientation, which can be applied even for illiterate patients METHODS: We developed a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient education in TKA comprising of a differentiated orientation conducted by an orthopedic surgeon, a nurse and a physiotherapist. It consists of standardized lectures regarding on pre-, intra- and postoperative issues in a randomized controlled trial of 79 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA. Thirty-four patients received the standard education (control group), and 45 patients received the differentiated education (intervention group). The patients were evaluated during at least 6 months.

After a 6-month follow-up period, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and knee range of motion (ROM) improved significantly in both groups. Range of motion was better in the intervention group (mean and SD-106.9 ± 5.7 versus 92.5 ± 12.1 degrees, p = 0.02). Moreover, walk ability (more than 400 m) was better in the intervention group compared with the control group (97.4% versus 72.4%, p = 0.003). In the intervention and control groups, respectively, 10.5% and 31% of patients reported the need for some walking devices (p = 0.03).

A differentiated educational program with a multidisciplinary team had a positive impact on functional outcomes, improving ROM and walk ability of patients undergoing TKA in a short-term evaluation.