Outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty can relieve arthritic pain and improve quality of life in patients with debilitating arthritis. Currently, long-term survivorship rates of total knee arthroplasties have been demonstrated through multiple clinical and registry-based studies. Studies comparing survivorship rates of various knee arthroplasty designs and systems have provided guidance for optimizing the results of surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures have historically been used in clinical research and have become increasingly prevalent in clinical practice. These instruments provide patient-centered benchmarks for measuring the success of total knee arthroplasties by comparing patient-reported pain and function both before and after total knee arthroplasty, and by documenting improvement and effect on quality of life. Patient satisfaction has historically lagged behind the success of total knee arthroplasty in relieving pain and represents an area of continued focus for optimization.