Decision support needs of patients choosing between unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty for advanced medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.

Abstract

Patients with isolated medial knee osteoarthritis are often candidates for both unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty and must choose between these 2 options. We interviewed 20 such patients to describe their decision support needs and 14 knee arthroplasty surgeons to describe their requirements in supporting patients' decision making. Patients and surgeons both desired active patient participation in the decision. Of 14 surgeons, 13 identified a knowledgeable patient as the most important factor in facilitating decision making, but many worried about confusing patients from information overload. Patients, on the other hand, demonstrated poor knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical option, and 17 of 20 desired supplemental educational resources. Thus, most patients choosing between unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty would appreciate and benefit from a decision support intervention.