A study in recently published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery revealed that knee arthroplasty performed in the United States during 2009 resulted in approximately $12 billion in societal savings. Barry Waldman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with OrthoMaryland and director of the Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopaedics, comments on the importance of the study and how the findings can be used to discuss knee surgery with patients.
Q: Why is this study important to the field of orthopedics?
Dr. Barry Waldman: The main reason is that with healthcare changing (think ObamaCare and the cuts Congress is imposing on Medicare), it's important to prove that what we do as orthopedists is cost-effective. If we can demonstrate that, it gives us a great opportunity to maintain current funding. In addition, we are always looking for results that prove we're helping people!
Q: Are the findings surprising or do they confirm what orthopedic surgeons already believe?
BW: They definitely confirm what everybody in the field believes. Knee replacements lead to a massively improved quality of life for those that need them, so we [as orthopedic surgeons] are not surprised at all.
Q: Do you believe further research on this topic is needed?
BW: Any study needs verification – one study isn't definitive. This is just part of the process. There need to be several more studies that replicate these results, so absolutely, more research is needed.
Q: How will these findings change the way orthopedic surgeons discuss knee surgery with their patients?
BW: I think it gives them one more benefit to share with patients. Financial savings are always a factor to consider, so it's important for our patients to be aware of them when faced with the prospect of knee replacement surgery.
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