Awareness About Total Knee Arthroplasty Among Elderly Patients in a Tertiary Hospital of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the definitive treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. In Nepal, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is rising, yet there is limited data on patient awareness about TKA. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness about TKA among elderly patients in a tertiary hospital in Nepal.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional single centered study was conducted at Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A total of 424 patients aged >50 years visiting the orthopedic OPD were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire in Nepali, pretested for reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0.

Results: The study found that 40.8% of participants reported suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Most participants identified old age (71.2%) and joint injury (35.4%) as the primary causes of knee problems. Only 28.1% believed that knee osteoarthritis could be treated, with medication (28.1%) and surgery (11.6%) being the most recognized treatment options. Among those who believed surgery was an option (41 participants), the primary goals were to decrease pain (100%) and improve walking quality (95.1%).

Conclusions: The study reveals a significant lack of awareness about TKA among elderly patients in Nepal. Targeted health education programs are needed to improve awareness about total knee replacement and patient outcomes.