Saloni Shetty, ASIR JOHN SAMUEL
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is widely used to manage end-stage knee osteoarthritis, typically to alleviate pain, function and improve the overall quality of life. However, due to various contextual challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), many patients continue to report dissatisfaction. This study explored the postoperative experiences of patients following physiotherapy using a phenomenological qualitative approach. Interviews conducted at one and three months post-surgery revealed four key themes: pain and recovery, functional ability, satisfaction with care, and psychological impact. While early recovery was often viewed positively, many patients reported increased discomfort and reduced satisfaction by the third month. Cultural norms, home environments, and psychosocial support significantly influenced recovery perceptions and outcomes.