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Orthopedic surgeons feel that there is a treatment gap in management of early OA: international survey

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

To understand orthopedic surgeons’ views, preferences, and awareness on “treatment gap” and various conservative and surgical treatments for early to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire on the treatment of knee OA was developed in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons with extensive research experience and methodological expertise. The survey was distributed electronically to a group of international orthopedic surgeons and surgical trainees. The data were collected, reviewed, and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

One hundred and seventy-three surgeons and surgical trainees completed the survey. The respondents reported that about 58 % of the patients they treat have early to mid-stage knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade I–III). There were significantly higher usage of medications and lower usage of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (P < 0.05) in developing countries than in developed countries. Four of five surgeons (84 %) perceived a need for better treatments for younger (<60 years old) physically active OA patients in which UKA or TKA is not indicated. Most respondents (80 %) would be willing to adjust age/activity threshold for surgery if a procedure was reversible and recovery was minimal. Two of three surgeons (68.4 %) perceived a treatment gap for early knee OA. However, effective treatments for patients within the treatment gap would have substantial positive social, and economic impacts.

Conclusion

The study suggests an ongoing treatment gap for patients with early knee OA and the need for better evidence to guide practice.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the research grant from Moximed, Inc. (Hayward, California, USA).

Conflict of interest

Dr. Mohit Bhandari is a consultant for Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Amgen, Zimmer, Moximed, and Bioventus and receives grants from Smith & Nephew, DePuy, Eli Lily, and Bioventus.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Global Research Solutions Inc, Burlington, ON, Canada

    Chuan Silvia Li

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg, Sweden

    Jon Karlsson & Mohit Bhandari

  3. Hamilton Health Sciences, Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Mitchell Winemaker

  4. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Mitchell Winemaker

  5. Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India

    Parag Sancheti

  6. Centre for Evidence-Based Orthopaedics, McMaster University, 293 Wellington St. N, Suite 110, Hamilton, ON, L8L 8E7, Canada

    Mohit Bhandari

Authors
  1. Chuan Silvia Li
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  2. Jon Karlsson
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  3. Mitchell Winemaker
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  4. Parag Sancheti
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  5. Mohit Bhandari
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohit Bhandari.

Appendix

Appendix

See Tables 5 and 6.

Table 5 Regression analysis of demographics and surgical experiences of the respondents
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Table 6 Regression analysis of demographics and surgical experiences of the respondents versus current diagnosis, treatment pattern of knee OA, and perception of treatment gap
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Li, C.S., Karlsson, J., Winemaker, M. et al. Orthopedic surgeons feel that there is a treatment gap in management of early OA: international survey. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 22, 363–378 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-013-2529-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-013-2529-5

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