Fulfillment of expectations and patient satisfaction following surgical treatment of complex proximal tibial fractures

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate on fulfillment of expectations and patient satisfaction after surgical treatment of complex proximal tibial fractures.

Methods: In this prospective study 114 patients who suffered a complex tibial fracture (AO/OTA-Type B and C) were enrolled. At follow-up, based on the Hospital For Special Surgery-Knee Surgery Expectations Survey (HFSS-KSES), an individualized questionnaire was used to evaluate whether the preoperative formulated expectations had been fulfilled. In addition, condition of the knee joint (rated 0-4), overall satisfaction (rated 0-4) with the outcome, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and SF-12 was used.

Results: Fulfillment of expectations for abilty to run, to knee, and regain an intact status of the knee joint performed worst in the HFSS-KSE. Highest fulfillment was reached for psychological well-being and to interact socially. No statistical difference was found between the two fracture groups (AO/OTA-Type B vs. C). In the study cohort n = 81 patients (83.5%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Mean satisfaction in the study cohort was 3.5. Satisfaction correlated highly significant with all items of the HFSS-KSE survey. Results vary in the different fracture groups. Satisfaction also correlates highly significant with the condition of the knee joint as well as with all dimensions of the KOOS score and the PCS of the SF-12 survey.

Conclusion: In patients who suffered a complex proximal tibial fracture, fulfillment of preoperative expectations is only limited. Nevertheless, overall satisfaction with the outcome is high, and correlates to a high degree with fulfillment of joint functionality and current health status. The fracture type does not influence these results.