Prognostic factors for functional outcome of total knee replacement: A prospective study

Background. The objective was to investigate whether baseline physical functioning, medical, psychosocial, or demographic variables predict functional outcome in patients undergoing total knee replacement. Methods. A prospective cohort study was performed between December 1991 and August 1993. Consecutive, unilateral tricompartmental total knee replacement patients aged greater than or equal to 55 yr with osteoarthritis, who met criteria, were enrolled and evaluated one month before and 3 months after total knee replacement. The primary outcome measure was the Medical Outcome Study 36 Item Short Form Health Survey (known as the SF36) Physical Functioning Scale score. The outcome evaluator vias not involved in patient care. Conclusions. Psychosocial variables are significantly related to total knee replacement functional outcome. Assessment of baseline psychological and social functioning may identify a subset of patients at risk for worse outcome. Specific interventions for these patients should be developed and evaluated as components of patient management prior to and after the procedure.