Skip to main content
OrthoVellum
Knowledge Hub

Study

  • Topics
  • MCQs
  • ISAWE
  • Operative Surgery
  • Flashcards

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Copyright & DMCA
  • Refund Policy

Support

  • Help Center
  • Accessibility
  • Report an Issue
OrthoVellum

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Adult Reconstruction
intermediate
X-Type

Total Knee Arthroplasty Indications - Patient Selection and Timing

TKA Patient Selection

A 58-year-old active male teacher presents with 18 months of progressive right knee pain. He has tried physiotherapy for 6 months, received two corticosteroid injections with temporary relief, and uses NSAIDs regularly. His BMI is 32 kg/m². Weight-bearing radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade IV osteoarthritis with bone-on-bone contact in the medial compartment. He has difficulty climbing stairs and walks with a limp. His knee flexion is 5-110 degrees. Regarding the indications and timing for total knee arthroplasty in this patient:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The primary indication for TKA is pain and functional impairment that significantly affects quality ...

B

This patient meets criteria for TKA consideration: radiographic evidence of severe OA (KL grade IV),...

C

TKA should always be delayed until age 65 regardless of symptoms; BMI greater than 30 is an absolute...

D

Obesity (BMI greater than 30) is a relative, not absolute, contraindication to TKA; higher BMI is as...

E

This patient with severe radiographic OA, failed 18 months of conservative treatment including physi...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option