Population growth, ageing and obesity do not sufficiently explain the increased utilization of total knee replacement in Australia.

The volume of additional surgery being performed considerably exceeded estimates based on changing population demography and rising rates of obesity. The other drivers of additional TKR utilization will likely have significant implications for the health budget and warrant further investigation. This may involve an examination of the current indications for surgery and the cost-effectiveness of TKR in various settings, reviewing patient expectations and preferences, and assessing the impact of policies which relate to the funding and provision of TKR.