A U.S. survey has found that 48 percent of joint replacement candidates delayed treatment due to fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research in August and September on behalf Zimmer Biomet, includes responses from 1,200 joint replacement patients, candidates and caregivers.
Five survey findings:
1. Of the patients who had surgery, 82 percent said they felt safe doing so, and 64 percent said they did not feel at risk for contracting a virus at the site of surgery.
2. Fifty-three percent of patients have been waiting more than a year to treat their pain with a joint replacement.
3. Of the patients waiting more than a year, 63 percent postponed their surgery due to the pandemic.
4. Seventy-one percent of patients who delayed surgery due to the pandemic noted increases in joint pain, 58 percent reported limitations in mobility and 35 percent had trouble sleeping.
5. Of the caregivers surveyed, 56 percent wanted their loved one to undergo surgery more quickly to relieve pain and address the toll on quality of life.