Predictors of met expectations two years after knee surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient-Reported Outcomes
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient expectations are crucial in assessing surgical success.
• Understanding factors influencing postoperative expectations is key for managing patient satisfaction after knee surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient-specific factors predicting two-year postoperative met expectations following knee surgery.
• To evaluate the association between met expectations and subsequent postoperative outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 319 patients undergoing knee surgery was analyzed.
• Patient-reported outcome questionnaires were administered preoperatively and two years postoperatively.
• The Musculoskeletal Outcomes and Data Evaluation Management System (MODEMS) Expectations domain measured preoperative and postoperative Met Expectations.

Main Results:

• Mean Met Expectations scores were lower than preoperative Expectations Scores.
• Worse two-year Met Expectations were linked to older age, higher BMI, comorbidities, prior surgeries, Black race, unemployment, lower income, government insurance, Worker's Compensation, smoking, and lack of prior injury.
• Greater Met Expectations correlated with improved all two-year outcome measures and most outcome improvements.
• Independent predictors of Met Expectations included race, insurance status, function, mental health, and knee pain.

Conclusions:

• Multiple patient factors significantly influence whether expectations are met two years after knee surgery.
• Met Expectations are strongly associated with better functional outcomes and patient satisfaction post-knee surgery.