Patient-centred Insights Into Persistent Pain After Total Knee Joint Replacement: A Qualitative Synthesis
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Dabhilkar, Saba
Hill, Julia
Lewis, Gwyn N
Bean, Debbie J
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Informa UK Limited
Abstract
Purpose
Approximately 10-30% of people experience persistent pain following total knee replacement (TKR). Understanding the long-term experiences of pain post-TKR is crucial for optimising patient-centred care and guiding management. This study aimed to qualitatively synthesise existing research on patients’ lived experiences of persistent pain following TKR.
Materials and methods
A search strategy was implemented across four databases to identify qualitative studies on patient experiences of persistent pain following TKR. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist was used for quality assessment. Data from selected articles were analysed using a thematic synthesis approach, involving an iterative process of coding, descriptive theme development, and analytical theme development.
Results
Eight studies were included in the synthesis, with four analytical themes constructed: (1) Unexpected symptoms and unexplained pain, leading to anxiety and distress, (2) Loss of embodiment, related to foreignness and lack of trust in the knee, (3) Lack of interest from the health system, highlighting the disconnect with healthcare providers, and (4) Facilitating acceptance of pain, describing the personal and healthcare system factors that promote reconceputalisation of pain.
Conclusions
Several individual and system factors are proposed that may break the cycle of pain and distress and facilitate better outcomes.
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Keywords
11 Medical and Health Sciences, Rehabilitation, 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences, 42 Health sciences, 44 Human society, Total knee replacement, chronic pain, thematic synthesis, healthcare system, patient experience
Source
Disability and Rehabilitation, ISSN: 0963-8288 (Print); 1464-5165 (Online), Informa UK Limited, 1-15. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2734805
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© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article.
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as Creative Commons Attribution License