Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study that investigated whether a digital tool could help people make better decisions about knee replacement surgery. The tool, an app called EKIT, was tested in a trial involving over a thousand patients with knee osteoarthritis in 10 centers in Germany. The patients were asked about their symptoms, previous treatments, and treatment goals. The EKIT tool was then used in discussions with the doctors for the intervention group to show how severe their condition was and how well they met the criteria for surgery. The tool also provided structured information about knee replacement. The control group had discussions with their doctors without using the EKIT tool. The researchers found that the EKIT tool helped patients make better quality decisions about surgery. They suggest that the tool could have an even greater impact if used more widely, especially in hospitals with a high number of cases.

FAQs

  1. What is the EKIT tool and how is it used in the decision-making process for knee replacement surgery?
  2. How did the use of the EKIT tool impact the quality of decisions made by patients with knee osteoarthritis in the study?
  3. Could the EKIT tool be beneficial to use in hospitals with a high number of knee replacement cases?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement is to make sure to follow the rehabilitation plan provided by the healthcare team. This often includes physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. Consistent and diligent participation in rehabilitation can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal function of the new knee joint.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee osteoarthritis that is not responding to conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections. These patients usually have significant pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in their knee joint, which impacts their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Additionally, patients who have tried other treatments without success, and who have a strong desire to improve their knee function and reduce pain, may also be recommended for knee replacement surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms, treatment goals, and concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if knee replacement surgery is the best option for them.

Timeline

Before knee replacement surgery:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, stiffness, and limited mobility due to knee osteoarthritis.
  2. Patient may try various non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, injections, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient consults with orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, including knee replacement surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to determine candidacy for surgery.
  5. Patient receives education about the surgery, risks, benefits, and recovery process.

After knee replacement surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes knee replacement surgery, which involves removing damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for post-operative care and rehabilitation.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the knee.
  4. Patient continues to follow up with orthopedic surgeon for post-operative appointments and monitoring.
  5. Over time, patient experiences improved knee function, reduced pain, and increased mobility.

Overall, the timeline of a patient before and after knee replacement surgery involves a journey of managing symptoms, making decisions about surgery, undergoing the procedure, and recovering to improve quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions that a patient should ask their doctor about knee replacement surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of rehabilitation and physical therapy?
  3. What type of knee replacement surgery is recommended for my specific condition (partial, total, etc.)?
  4. What are the success rates of knee replacement surgery for patients with similar conditions to mine?
  5. How long can I expect the artificial knee joint to last?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  7. What can I do to prepare for surgery and improve my chances of a successful outcome?
  8. How will my daily activities and lifestyle be affected after knee replacement surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery and what signs of complications should I watch out for?

Reference

Authors: Lützner J, Deckert S, Beyer F, Hahn W, Malzahn J, Sedlmayr M, Günther KP, Schmitt J, Lange T; Value-based Total Knee Replacement Study Group. Journal: Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2024 Aug 23;121(17):566-572. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.m2024.0152. PMID: 39109409