• Julie K Cremeans-Smith, Jessica M Boarts, Kenneth Greene, and Douglas L Delahanty.
• Department of Psychology, Kent State University Stark Campus, 6000 Frank Ave NW, N Canton, OH 44720, USA. jcremean@kent.edu
• J Behav Med. 2009 Jun 1; 32 (3): 223-33.

AbstractThe present study examines the reasons cited by 103 patients for their electing to undergo total knee arthroplastic surgery and the relationship between these reasons and their post-operative pain and range of motion. Results suggest that individuals who describe different reasons for undergoing surgery vary in their post-operative recovery. Specifically, patients who cite pain as the reason they are undergoing surgery report greater levels of pain during the early post-operative period. In contrast, patients who describe goals of regaining mobility or a specific activity as their reason for undergoing surgery achieve a greater range of motion during early post-operative physical therapy. Individuals who express avoidance goals for undergoing total knee arthroplasty report more severe post-operative pain at 1 and 3 months following surgery compared to patients who express approach goals. Interventions targeted towards patients reporting pre-operative pain or avoidance goals may decrease subsequent post-operative pain and increase mobility.

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