Sign of Success

Older age, female sex, obesity and injury are associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, a disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and significant pain. The knee joints are among the most commonly affected by osteoarthritis.

 

For individuals with knee osteoarthritis who cannot find pain relief or improve their physical function with non-pharmacological or pharmacological treatments, total knee replacement surgery is the only treatment option. 

 

Total knee replacement is generally recognized as one of  the most effective of surgical procedures. However, up to 30% of patients who receive it can show limited improvement in pain and physical function one year after surgery.

 

To gain further insight into this phenomenon, Krembil Scientist Dr. Anthony Perruccio and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Rajiv Gandhi conducted a study involving more than 550 osteoarthritis patients who underwent knee replacement surgery. 

 

As part of the study, the researchers looked at changes in pain and physical function before the surgery and then at three months, one year and two years postoperatively. 

 

As expected, a majority of the patients had reduced pain and improved physical function at the two-year mark; however, most of these changes had occurred in the first three months following surgery—suggesting that the success of the surgery can largely be predicted at this earlier time point. 

 

“Previous studies have focused on examining the outcomes of knee surgery in patients with osteoarthritis one to two years after the surgery at which point most, if not all, of the changes in pain and physical function have occurred,” explains Dr. Perruccio. “Because there are ongoing interactions between patients and their health care providers during the three months following surgery, this may be an important time to consider strategies to increase the likelihood of better longer-term outcomes.”