Multimodal Care for Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Novel Approach to a Common Problem.

Background: Osteoarthritis is common and debilitating. Evidence-based care exists; there is a gap between recommended and received are. Multimodal treatment is recommended, with unknown effectiveness. We report pilot feasibility data for a new university-based clinic providing multimodal care for knee and hip osteoarthritis (KHOA).

Methods: Quality-improvement case series with the first 50 patients. A multidisciplinary team provided care. Feasibility outcomes included treatment duration, patient adherence, provision of guideline-recommended care, and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included self-reported and objectively assessed patient measures.

Results: Fifty patients (59±10.5 years, 32 female) received guideline-recommended care; 40 adhered to 3.83±2.21 follow-up visits over 12.24±7.79 months; satisfaction was high. Objectively assessed outcomes improved, but self-reported outcomes did not.

Discussion: Early data suggest multimodal care for knee and hip osteoarthritis is feasible and may be associated with improved outcomes.