Primary Knee Symposium: Biomechanical Considerations in the Knee

What Do Patients Expect in a TKR – Thomas P. Schmalzried, MD

Dr. Schmalzried placed emphasis on what individual patients expect. If you do not meet the patient's expectation (regardless of how realistic or unrealistic it may be), they will be disappointed.

Obesity is a separate entity that is not necessarily related to joints. Many times, after a total joint, patients gain weight. Patients need to understand reality—their bodies have limitations regardless of their joints. You never really know the impact of various activities until you ask your patients. Dr. Schmalzried believes you should empower your patients to do things.

Dr. Schmalzried believes that communication with your patients is key in managing expectations—that you should under-promise and over-deliver. He gave other suggestions in managing expectations. PSlide A

He then reviewed literature on patient satisfaction and range of motion. PSlide B He also referenced D'Lima et. al. (2008) on joint stress following TKR. PSlide C

Dr. Schmalzried's summary points are outlined in PSlide D.