UBM Medica US announces that Rheumatology Network, a leading online community for Rheumatologists, offers tips to guide patients in deciding whether to opt for knee replacement surgery to relieve the pain and suffering of knee osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, painful age-related deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the inside of joints such as the knee, affects some 27 million Americans. Knee replacement surgery (inserting an artificial knee joint) doubled in the first decade of this century, and can be expected to increase further as the large “Boomer” generation ages. As many as one in five patients don’t find the pain relief they expect from this invasive procedure. In some cases the replacement breaks or becomes infected, and the surgery needs to be repeated. How can a person decide whether to take the risk?
Last week at the annual conference of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in New Orleans, several research teams presented new insights that help to predict the outcome:
- Patient Confidence Pre-Op Portends Good TKA Outcome: Patients most likely to have a successful outcome are those who are strongly motivated to have the operation, determined to return to normal life quickly afterwards, and confident that the procedure will succeed.
- For Most Patients, TKA Affects Pain More than Knee Function: For all but the most severely affected patients, the main benefit of knee replacement was pain relief, not improvement in function of the knee.
- How Gender, Age, Bone Strength Predict TKA Failures: Older women with other health problems (obesity, diabetes, heart disease) are more likely to need repeat surgery, but taking anti-osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates appears to reduce this risk.
About UBM Medica US
Addressing today’s healthcare information needs, UBM Medica US, delivers strategic, integrated communications solutions and comprehensive reach — online, in print, via custom programs and live events. Improving the effectiveness of healthcare through information and education, UBM Medica US provides unbiased clinical, practical, and business information for physicians, providers and payers resulting in improved quality of care for patients around the world. Through journals, magazines, online communities, live and digital events, and other valuable resources, UBM Medica US also delivers comprehensive communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and related industries. Online communities include CancerNetwork.com, ConsultantLive.com, DiagnosticImaging.com, RheumatologyNetwork.com, OBGYN.net, PhysiciansPractice.com, PsychiatricTimes.com and SearchMedica.com. UBM Medica US is part of UBM Connect which, through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital – increases business effectiveness for both customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. Headquartered in New York, UBM Connect brings together UBM’s healthcare business, UBM Medica US; UBM Canon’s advanced design and manufacturing event, online and print brands; UBM Connect New York’s catering, cruise shipping, customer management, and fine, specialty and custom chemical communities; and UBM Mexico’s concrete show. For more information, visit www.UBMMedicaUS.com.
About UBM plc
UBM plc is a global events-led marketing services and communications company. We help businesses do business, bringing the world’s buyers and sellers together at events and online, as well as producing and distributing news and specialist content. Our 5,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into expert teams which serve commercial and professional communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.
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