Abstract
Introduction
The utility and yield of the current practice of routine screening of asymptomatic patients after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is unclear. The purpose of this prospective survey study was to determine the utility of the routine on year follow up visit primary THA and TKA.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled all patients undergoing primary THA and TKA. At one-year follow-up, patients were asked to complete a survey that asked about satisfaction with the and if they thought the visit was worthwhile. Surgeons also completed a survey which asked if any intervention was done, if any problems were diagnosed/avoided, and if the visit was worthwhile. Data was analyzed and compared between patients and surgeons, and was also compared to the need for any additional interventions
Results
Between October 2017 and June 2018, 512 patients underwent primary THA or TKA. Of these, passive one-year follow-up was obtained in 195 (38%). The final cohort consisted of 195 patients; 102 THAs and 94 TKAs with mean follow-up of 378 days (range, 276–480 days). Patients reported a mean 4.64 rating when asked if the visit was worthwhile (5-point scale, 1=not worthwhile, 5=very worthwhile). No interventions were performed or ordered at 56.3% of visits. Physicians reported that complications were avoided because of the visit at 23.03% of visits and 66.8% of visits were worthwhile (yes/no). 49.44% of visits where no intervention was ordered were rated as worthwhile, whereas 90.3% of visits with interventions ordered were rated as worthwhile.
Conclusions
Patients generally thought that their follow up visit was worthwhile, even when no intervention was ordered or issue was addressed. In the visits without any interventions, over half of physicians thought the visit was not worthwhile. Surgeons may consider restricting their one year postoperative visits to symptomatic patients only.
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