Patient education and anesthesia choice for total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Objectives: Spinal anesthesia (SA) for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) may be associated with better patients' outcomes. This study aims to assess the association between preoperative education about the advantage of SA over general anesthesia (GA) for TKA and the likelihood of patient choice of NA.

Methods: Patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA were identified. Type of anesthesia (GA or SA), attendance of the (joints class), patient demographics, ASA status, anticoagulation status, and diagnosis of back problems were recoded. Regression analysis was used to assess the association between the type of anesthesia and attendance of the joints class.

Results: 1010 patients were identified to have unilateral primary TKA. 31% of patients attended the joint class. Patients who attended the joints class were more likely to receive SA when compared to those who did not attend (OR=1.7, CI: 1.2-2.5, P=0.004) after adjusting for other variables.

Conclusion: Preoperative education about advantages of SA may be associated with an increase in patients receiving SA for TKA.

Practice implications: Increase in patients receiving SA for TKA may improve outcomes.

Keywords: Anesthesia choice; General anesthesia; Neuraxial anesthesia; Patient education; Regional anesthesia; Spinal anesthesia; Total knee arthroplasty.