Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (Sep 2023)

Orthopaedic knee scooter-related injury: prevalence and patient safety perception in a prospective cohort with exploratory risk factor analysis

  • John P. Walsh,
  • Mark S. Hsiao,
  • Landon Rosevear,
  • Ryland McDermott,
  • Shivali Gupta,
  • Troy S. Watson

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-04124-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Background There is a paucity of research investigating the harms associated with orthopaedic knee scooter (OKS) use and patient safety perceptions. This prospective study aimed to define the prevalence of OKS-related injuries, describe the patient perceptions of OKS safety, and identify potential risk factors. Methods This study was conducted at a single foot and ankle fellowship-trained surgeon’s community-based clinic from 6/2020 to 4/2021 and enrolled 134 patients. Our primary outcome was an OKS-related event (injury or fall) and informed an a priori power analysis. Point estimate of association magnitude was calculated as an odds ratio (OR) for statistically and clinically significant associations. Results There were 118 (88%) patients eligible for analysis; fourteen enrolled patients did not use OKS, and two withdrew. The prevalence of patient falls was 37% (44/118), and the prevalence of patient injury was 15% (18/118). Four percent of patients would not recommend OKS and 8% would not use an OKS again. Sedentary lifestyle increased risk (OR = 4.67, 1.52–14.35 95 CI) for OKS-related injury. Conclusions Despite a high prevalence of patient falls (37%), there is a low prevalence of injury (15%) and a favorable perception of OKS safety. Sedentary lifestyles may be a risk factor for OKS-related injury and should be considered in the development of a risk model.

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