To evaluate the progression on patients suffering from end stage OA whilst being on the waiting list for TKR

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) remains the surgical gold standard treatment for patients suffering from end stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. However, due to the high demand and scarce medical resources, the waiting time for surgery is astoundingly lengthy. Controversies are shown on numerous studies on whether physical functionality and mental status decline or remain stable over the waiting period. This study aims to evaluate the progression on patients suffering from end stage OA whilst being on the waiting list for TKR.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosed with symptomatic osteoarthritis
2. Enlisted on the TKA surgical waiting list
3. Ethnic Chinese
4. Fluent in Cantonese

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Evidence of cognitive dysfunction like dementia
2. Surgery scheduled within 30 days
3. Severe co-morbidity preluding participation

This study aims to evaluate the progression on patients suffering from end stage OA whilst being on the waiting list for TKR. This was a prospective longitudinal study, involving patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis at Prince of Wales Hospital Hong Kong. This study was conducted from March 2013 to December 2016. By universal sampling, patients who had experienced symptomatic OA visiting the Li Ka Shing Orthopaedic Specialist out-patient clinic were screened by a research nurse or a research assistant based on the inclusion criteria.