Nearly one in four adults in the U.S. endures chronic, debilitating joint pain that requires joint replacement, yet many people wait years before moving forward with surgery, enduring significant pain and negative impact on their quality of life. This delay is made worse with today’s climate of stress, and fear of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People in need of a joint replacement are often in tremendous pain, making them unable to carryout typical day-to-day activities or enjoy time with friends and families. Delays in surgery may also affect their caregivers, who can face a decrease in their quality of life and an increase in stressors as they take on added responsibilities, such as household chores previously managed by the person in pain.
If you’re experiencing joint pain and considering joint replacement surgery, the COVID pandemic doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wait for joint replacement surgery.
Many hospitals have been able to adapt and resume elective surgeries through infectious safety protocols and procedures, and thanks to technologies and innovations that can increase patient and physician communications in a virtual manner, some in-office visits may not be necessary.
On Friday, October 30th, Mark A. Klaassen, M.D., F.A.C.S., orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center in Elkhart, Indiana will be available to discuss national survey results surrounding delays in joint placement surgery and what people should know about the potential consequences of delaying these procedures. Dr. Klaassen will be joined by joint replacement patient Becky Dick who will talk about how the pain she suffered had been disrupting her daily life before surgery, and how her life has changed post-surgery.
Interview is courtesy of Zimmer Biomet
