Clinical Outcomes after a Total Knee Replacement at Henry Ford

• Improved Knee Strength and Function by 18.5 PROM score points
• Improved Physical Health by 4.7 PROM score points
• Improved Mental Health by 0.9 PROM score points

Henry Ford uses Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) or PROMIS scores to track the satisfaction and recovery of our patients from surgery. PROMIS scores interpret patient perception of pain, physical function and general mood with a series of targeted questions.

Improved Knee Strength and Function

To determine improvements in knee strength and function, patients were screened for:

• Difficulty with steps and stairs
• Difficulty with long or extended walks
• Difficulty sitting for prolonged periods of time

As depicted in the graph, our patients experienced an improvement of 18.5 points in knee function and strength. A sample of 100 patients, on average, reported that it was easier to move around and use their knee six months after surgery as compared to before surgery.

Improved Physical Health

To determine improvements in physical health, we ask our patients questions like:

• How long did you perform activities requiring some physical effort yesterday ( e.g. walking, shopping, hobbies, etc.)?
• How would you rate your physical health today?

As shown in the graph, our patients experienced an improvement of 4.7 points in total physical health. A sample of 100 patients, on average, reported feeling more physically active one year after surgery as compared to before surgery. 

Read the original published research paper here.

Khalil LS, Darrith B, Franovic S, Davis JJ, Weir RM, Banka TR. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Short Forms Demonstrate Responsiveness in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2020 Jun;35(6):1540-1544. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2020.01.032. Epub 2020 Jan 22. PMID: 32037211.