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The experience of surgeons treating unexplained pain after knee arthroplasty : a reflexive thematic analysis
Shiraz A Sabah1,2, Phillipa J A Nicolson1,3, Elizabeth A Hedge1
1Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Aims:
The aim of the present study was to understand the experience of surgeons treating patients with unexplained pain after knee arthroplasty and the role they considered revision surgery to have in the management of this condition.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were performed with seven consultant knee surgeons in the NHS. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified before analysis using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
Six themes were developed: 1) I need to understand a patient's journey and their expectations; 2) A difficult consultation; 3) I'm the 'fixer'; 4) It's complicated asking for help; 5) I'm uncomfortable operating for truly unexplained pain; and 6) It's a wound I carry with me.
Conclusion:
This study has improved our understanding of the important considerations for surgeons when managing patients with unexplained pain after knee arthroplasty. Our study calls for a holistic approach to care that considers patients' experiences, embraces modern pain theory, and fosters collaboration among healthcare providers.
