Enhanced education and physiotherapy before knee replacement; is it worth it? A systematic review

Eleven randomized and quasi-randomized studies were included in this systematic review which examined the efficacy of preoperative education and/or treatment by a physiotherapist compared to standard treatment based on patient-reported outcome measure. Efficacy was evaluated through visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) and SF-36 General Health Survey. Results from this review indicate that there was limited impact of patient education on postoperative functional outcomes or quality of life through this mode of intervention. Results regarding hospital stay and associated costs were mixed, and require further investigation in subsequent trials.