Knee arthroplasty: are patients' expectations fulfilled?

Abstract

With an expanding population of mentally alert elderly, we can expect that great demands will be put on joint replacements. This study shows that patients have high preoperative expectations concerning reduction of pain. To a considerable extent, these expectations are fulfilled after one year. Expectations concerning demanding physical activities are not fulfilled to the same degree; however, most patients reported general satisfaction with the outcome indicating that satisfaction is not equivalent to fulfilled expectations. Preoperative counseling should include realistic information on outcomes concerning physical function and pain relief.