Abstract: Objective To study the effect of somatization on early recovery after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods One hundred and thirty-eight osteoarthritis patients who underwent unilateral TKA in our hospital from September 2012 to June 2013 were included in this study. Their somatization was assessed following the somatization self-rating scale (SSS). The patients were divided into somatization group (n=13) with their SSS score ≥ 40 and control group (n=125) with their SSS score < 40. Their knee functions were scored according to the VAS, range of motion(ROM), hospital for special surgery (HSS). Results No significant difference was found in the knee function scores between the two groups before TKA (P> 0.05). The VAS score was significantly higher whereas the ROM and HSS scores were significantly lower in somatolization group than in control group 1 and 3 months after TKA (P< 0.05). The hospital stay days and return visit times were significantly more in somatolization group than in control group (P< 0.05). Conclusion Somatization exerts a negative effect on recovery in osteoarthritis patients after TKA.