Knee surgery satisfaction hinges on support, depression and optimism

Success of knee surgery is impacted by depression, levels of support, coping mechanisms and optimism.

Scientists evaluated total knee replacement outcomes and satisfaction two years after surgery in 178 people with osteoarthritis and publish their findings in ACR Rheumatology.

They found that worse pain and function scores were associated with increasing age, higher body mass index, low social support and levels of optimism. Stress also had a negative impact on knee function scores. And having a dysfunctional style of coping meant lower satisfaction with surgery.

“Psychosocial factors, such as tangible support, depression, dysfunctional coping, and optimism, were associated with pain, function, and satisfaction two years after [total knee replacement],” the scientists conclude.

Programmes to identify and address psychosocial problems may therefore result in improvements in pain and function after knee replacement surgery.

Click here to read the original findings.

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