Perioperative Intervention to Improve Post-TKR Support and Function

Each year, more than 350,000 adults elect to have TKR surgery to eliminate knee pain and associated disabilities that persist despite ample medical treatment. Common knee problems of people who undergo TKR surgery include osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases, and sudden or gradual joint injury. Most people who undergo TKR surgery experience immediate and significant decrease in pain, improved joint function, and increased physical activity. However, not all people who undergo TKR surgery report improvement, and there is no one factor that contributes to this variation in functional gain. With the rapid growth in the number of people electing to have TKR surgery and in the number of candidates eligible for TKR, optimal surgical results are both a clinical and public health priority. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a patient support program emphasizing exercise and emotional health in increasing physical function after TKR surgery. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to a TKR patient support program or treatment as usual. The intervention patients will receive a program designed to complement the intensive physical rehabilitation period. Sessions will aim to help participants enhance their self-management skills for behavior change.