For A.M. ReleaseWednesday, February 14, 2002
For more information, contact:A.J. Wright847-384-4034, [email protected]
Todd Schuetz847-384-4032, [email protected]
Claudette Yasell847-384-4035, [email protected]
Orthopaedic surgeons suggest timing of arthroplasty surgery may effect outcome
DALLAS--A recent study, sponsored by Carlos Lavernia, M.D., Rafael Sierra, M.D., and Ruben Hernandez, M.D., of Miami, Florida, shows that waiting too long to have arthroplasty surgery can have a detrimental effect on the outcome. The paper will be presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 14, 2002, in Dallas, Texas.
The study consisted of three hundred ninety-eight cases of total joint replacement for knee and hip surgery patients. The evaluation for each case was based upon Standard Orthopaedic Scores for pain, mobility and physical function, recorded both before and after the surgeries.
This study presents significant results that will offer surgeons a more precise window of opportunity for best surgical outcomes to total joint replacement surgeries by using validated instruments to study pain, physical function and mobility. "While doctors do rely on medical acumen and experience, these validated instruments can accurately predict the optimum timing for arthroplasty surgery," Dr. Lavernia said.
The data resulting from the study indicated that patients with lower scores before surgery on mobility and physical function observed a lower rate of successful outcomes. Patients who consulted with an orthopaedic surgeon at the onset of the problem and were able to have surgery earlier, recovered from surgery at a higher success rate. Even after one year, the patients who had surgery earlier scored better on Standard Orthopaedic Tests such as the Harris Pain Score and the Quality of Well Being test.
More details about the study results will be presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 69th Annual Meeting, which will be held February 13-17, 2002 in Dallas, Texas.
Arthroplasty surgery is needed to replace all or part of a joint with an artificial device to restore joint movement. Orthopaedic surgeons who perform arthroplasty surgeries are medical doctors with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
The 25,500-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public.
An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.boneandjointdecade.org), the global initiative in the years 2000-2010 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.
The Academy's Annual Meeting is being held February 13-17, 2002, at the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas.
###
RSS