Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Mass., have created an algorithm to predict total knee replacement outcomes in patients five years post-surgery.
The study, co-authored by orthopedic specialists David Ayers, MD, Hua Zheng, PhD, Mohamed Yousef, MD, PhD, and Wenyun Yang, was released at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting and will be published in the Journal of Arthroplasty, according to an April 2 news release from the school.
Researchers identified five predictors of patient outcomes, including patient age, BMI, medical and musculoskeletal comorbidities, baseline pain and functional status, and mental health.
By using the factors within an algorithm, physicians can better help patients set realistic expectations for post-surgery and understand risks, pain management and healing times, according to the release.
“Identifying and addressing these predictive factors fosters personalized treatment plans, reduces the likelihood of complications, and improves long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction,” Dr. Ayers wrote.
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