Pre-operative Patient Recorded Outcome Measures Predict Patient Discharge Location Following Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Advantages of unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) over total knee arthroplasty (TKA) include rapid recovery and shorter lengths of stay following surgery. Patients requiring extended post-operative care fail to recognize these benefits. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) have proved useful in predicting outcomes following joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to identify and report pre-operative PROMs and clinical variables that predict discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) following UKA. Methods A prospective cohort of 174 patients was used to collect SF36 scores and objective clinical data. Univariate and multivariate analysis with backward elimination were conducted to find a predictive risk model. Results The predictive model reported (78.7% concordance, C ROC 0.719, p =0.0016) demonstrates that risk factors for discharge to SNFs are: older age (odds ratio 4.18; 95% CI 1.256-13.911, p=0.019), bilateral UKA procedures (odds ratio 1.887; 95% CI 1.054-3.378, p=0.0326) and lower patient reported pre-operative SF36 physical function scores (odds ratio 0.968; CI 0.938-1, p=0.0488). Conclusion The information presented here regarding possible patient disposition following UKA could aid informed decision-making regarding patients’ short-term needs following surgery and help streamline pre-operative planning. Levels of Evidence Level IV