Patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty - A comparison between subjective and objective outcome assessments

We used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a group of 108 patients (126 TKAs) with short-te rm to medium-term follow-up. We also used the Knee Society scoring system, Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), pa in VAS, and survival analysis. A comparison between the subjective and obje ctive outcome systems revealed only poor correlations. This comparison sugg ests that the concerns and priorities of patients and surgeons differ. The outcome assessed with the satisfaction VAS revealed a significantly better subjective outcome in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with osteoarth ritis patients, whereas Knee Society scores were not different. The satisfa ction VAS provides additional information about subjective outcome after TK A.