BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to relieve pain and improve physical functioning of the knee, however, some patients continue to experience pain and impaired function following TKA which cannot be explained by surgical and implant factors. Psychological factors may influence the outcomes of TKA. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the psychosocial factors that predicted pain, stiffness and physical functioning up to 1 year following TKA. Methods 102 patients completed pre-operative and 1-year questionnaires which assessed a wide range of psychosocial and sociodemographic factors prior to surgery. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain, Stiffness and Physical Functioning subscales were used as outcome measures. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were conducted to examine relationships between predictor and outcome variables. ResultsRegression analysis showed that regarding variance in WOMAC outcome measures post TKA, our model predicted 31% for physical functioning, 25% for pain and 29% for stiffness 4 at 1 year. Regarding variance in OKS post TKA, the model predicted 36% at 1 year. Greater levels of depressive symptoms and neuroticism and worse pre-operative scores significantly predicted poorer outcomes. ConclusionThe findings indicate that pre-operative psychosocial factors are important in understanding outcomes of TKA. Psychosocial factors could be considered during pre-operative assessment and further research conducted on psychological interventions within this population to determine whether early and 1-year outcomes can be improved.

Original ResearchArticle #154(page number not for citation purposes) HISTORICAL JESUS RESEARCH AND RELEVANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA aBstractA brief review of signifi cant developments in South African historical Jesus research during the past three decades is given. Although historical Jesus investigations are not characteristic or even dominant in South African New Testament scholarship, some of the achievements of the scholars working in this fi eld are not only signifi cant contributions to the discipline but are also of considerable relevance to the challenges facing biblical scholarship in general in the South African context. South African historical Jesus publications show a distinct development from the almost unproblematic application of Jesus' words and actions at the earlier stage to a sophisticated and nuanced juxtaposing and interrelating of modern and ancient settings at the present time. It is suggested that these developments can contribute to the exploration of alternative and appropriate theological discourses.

The Gospel of Matthew and women Matthew obviously reveals no concern with gender roles and issues

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