Arthritis care and research : the official journal of the Arthritis Health Professions Association
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Comparative Study
Management and care of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: variations across different health care settings.
To examine variation in the process of care for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to highlight the need for rigorous research into the ideal management of TKA. We hypothesize that variation in the process of care for TKA across and within health care systems is associated with identifiable financial and historical factors. ⋯ Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that financial reimbursement schemes influence the management of TKA. Further research needs to be done to quantify effects of varying processes of care on the outcome of TKA surgery across different health care settings. This data would elucidate the optimal management of TKA using objective evidence rather than relying on financial incentives or the preservation of historical practices.