Differences in case mix and outcomes between Swiss and Scottish total knee arthroplasty patients

Johannes M. Giesinger*, Karlmeinrad Giesinger, Bruno Federico, Colin D. Howie, David F. Hamilton

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The clinical benefits of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are well defined, but little attention has been paid to the cross-cultural variation. The objective of this study was to compare case mix and outcomes following TKA in Swiss and Scottish patients.

Methods: Data from local registries at a Swiss and a Scottish orthopaedic hospital were extracted to evaluate: (A) age, sex, body mass index (BMI), self-reported health status (EQ-5D), and joint awareness (Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12))at pre-surgery, (B) improvement in EQ-5D and FJS-12 scores from pre-surgery to1 year, and (C) patient satisfaction at 1 year.

Results: Data from 2075 Swiss and 994 Scottish TKA patients were available from the local registries. Swiss and Scottish patients differed in age (69.3 vs68.8 years, p = 0.046), sex ratio (62.9% vs 56.9% women, p = 0.002)and BMI (29.6 vs 30.9, p < 0.001). At pre-surgery, FJS-12 scores were comparable (Swiss 12.1 vs Scottish 10.9, n.s.), but EQ-5D scores were better in Swiss patients (0.52 vs 0.40, p < 0.001).Post-operative improvement was greater in Switzerland for the FJS-12 (+ 55.1 vs+ 32.2, p < 0.001), but not for the EQ-5D (+ 0.31 vs + 0.29,n.s.). The satisfaction rate was similar in both groups (88.3% vs 89.6%, n.s.).

Conclusion: Subtle cross-cultural variation was evident in TKA case-mix factors between the two countries. Satisfaction and improvement in health status were similar, while improvement in joint-specific outcome was notably greater in Switzerland. Understanding cross-cultural variability of the outcome has important implications when interpreting study and registry data from other countries and when counselling a patient in daily practice.

Level of evidence: Retrospective cohort, Level III.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1797-1804
Number of pages8
JournalKnee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy
Volume28
Early online date2 Jul 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • total knee arthroplasty
  • comparative study
  • patient-reported outcome
  • forgotten Joint Score-12
  • EQ-5D
  • cross-cultural

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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