Could better information and support before and after surgery transform joint replacement results?

Joint replacements improve the quality of life of thousands of people with arthritis in the UK each year. More than 104,000 knee replacements and 98,000 hip replacements were performed during 2015 alone.We know many of you have already benefited from this surgery, telling us how a new hip or knee has got you moving again, cut down on your pain and helped you to get the most out of life. However, there's still vital work to be done to help even more people to experience positive outcomes after joint replacement surgery, which is why Arthritis Research UK is funding extensive research in this area.Recently published results from a long-term study into the benefits and limitations of knee replacement surgery give us valuable insight into where future resources should be directed. The study confirmed surgery was a highly effective treatment for knee pain, which also improved knee function. It also suggested there are key factors that can help to predict if a joint replacement is going to be successful.Nigel Arden, Professor in Rheumatic Diseases at the University of Oxford, explains: "Research indicates the difference between a good or a bad outcome after knee replacement surgery has far more to do with the individual characteristics of the patient, than with the surgical team or the implant used. The information, advice and support given to the patient before and after the operation is crucial, as is an understanding of everything that might affect a person’s recovery."Kne...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news