This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Work interference, opioid use for pain among top reasons cited by patients for delaying TKA
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Investigators found candidates for total knee arthroplasty who delayed surgery did so out of concerns about postoperative pain, opioid use for pain management and interference with work.
Researchers administered a cross-sectional survey to 2,571 individuals who were considering total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Of these individuals, 654 completed the survey. The primary study outcome was the individual’s decision to delay TKA, which was based off an answer to a survey question. Other variables assessed included pain, pain management for TKA surgery and the individual’s perception of new, pain management strategies.
Results showed of the respondents, 154 delayed TKA. Significant factors that led to the decision to delay TKA included interference with work and concerns with insufficient post-discharge pain management. Investigators noted an association between a 1-point increase in the 10-point scale for interference with work and a 22% increased chance of delaying TKA. There was a higher chance of delayed surgery among candidates who were concerned with experiencing pain during the first postoperative weeks.
According to researchers, 92% of respondents said they would find surgeons who offered nonopioid pain medications during the first few weeks of rehabilitation; while 66% of respondents said they would switch to surgeons who offered a non-opioid pain management approach. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
Back to TopMark W. Pagnano, MD
Berend and colleagues have added interesting additional information to our understanding of the patient experience around total knee replacement. The opioid abuse epidemic has moved into society’s collective conscience, and specific concerns about prolonged opioid use may be changing patient behaviors. While much progress has been made in the last decade to speed recovery and decrease pain after total knee replacement, it is clear that patients would still find benefit from further refinements. Total knee replacement is reliable, reproducible and durable but insecurities about early postoperative pain and the ability to return to work remain, making many patients reluctant to proceed with surgery.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts