Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most widespread and costly burdens of disease globally, as it severely limits function and causes pain.

The estimated cost of treating knee OA is €817 billion Euro per year, but this is expected to increase.

This randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared the cost-effectiveness of undergoing a total knee preplacement (TKR) followed by twelve weeks of supervised therapy, with twelve weeks of supervised therapy only with the option of surgery at a later time if necessary.