Conservative Management vs. Arthroplasty in Knee Osteoarthritis

"After referral from the general practitioner to the orthopedic department, the patient is offered a 3-month non-operative treatment program. The conservative program consists of several elements that are offered on an individual basis. The program consists of 3 main elements:~* Patient education/information~* Specialized exercise supervised by a physiotherapist~* Weight loss counseling with a dietician"

After referral from the general practitioner to the orthopedic department, the patient is assessed by an orthopedic surgeon in the out-patient clinic according to standard practice with a focus on symptoms, history, physical examination, radiography, and an appraisal of the patient's expectations. If an indication for knee arthroplasty is found, the patient is offered knee arthroplasty, and if the patient accepts the offer, he/she is scheduled according to usual practice. If a patient declines the offer, the patient is informed that the hospital cannot offer any additional service, and the patient is referred back to primary care.