Applied Evidence

Osteoarthritis: Managing without surgery

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

Joint replacement: When or whether?

Patients who are considering joint replacement surgery or are interested in learning more about it need a realistic picture of what to expect. Explain that results are usually—but not always—very favorable. However, surgery often brings greater improvement in pain than in function, and recovery can be very strenuous and lengthy. Infection rates average 1%,34,35 and mortality rates are low. In a large study of veterans, the 30-day mortality rates after knee and hip arthroplasty were 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively,36 but thromboembolic complications may occur despite prophylaxis. Overall, 5% of those undergoing joint replacement surgery develop significant complications.34,35

Knowing what surgery entails and the difficult recovery required may help patients be more tolerant of their OA symptoms. Whatever treatment your patients opt for, empathy on your part will help, as well.

CORRESPONDENCE
James Crosby, MD, United Health Services, Wilson Family Medicine Residency, 40 Arch Street, Johnson City, NY 13790; James_Crosby@uhs.org

Pages

Recommended Reading

Analysis Backs Benazepril-Amlodipine Combo
MDedge Family Medicine
Trial Quantifies Exercise Benefits in Heart Failure
MDedge Family Medicine
Fenofibrate May Prevent Amputation in Type 2
MDedge Family Medicine
Ultrasound Helpful in Thyroid Cancer Follow-Up
MDedge Family Medicine
Diabetes Increases Atrial Fibrillation Risk by 18%
MDedge Family Medicine
Use Skin Changes to Identify Scleroderma Mimics
MDedge Family Medicine
Periocular Skin Cancers Tend To Be Basal Cell Carcinoma
MDedge Family Medicine
Unexplained Erythema May Be Associated With Cancer
MDedge Family Medicine
Rash on back
MDedge Family Medicine
Flat lesions on thigh
MDedge Family Medicine