Study questions the appropriateness of some Total Knee Arthroplasties
From the aaos.com News of Mon. June 30
Findings from a study published online in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology call into question the appropriateness of many total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures performed in the United States. The researchers assessed 205 participants who underwent TKA and were enrolled in the prospective Osteoarthritis Initiative study. Based on a modified version of an appropriateness classification system developed by Escobar et al. and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Physical Function scales, they classified 44.0 percent of surgeries as appropriate, 21.7 percent as inconclusive, and 34.3 percent as inappropriate. The researchers argue that the data support the need for consensus development of criteria for patient selection among practitioners who treat potential TKA candidates.
I have said it before and I will write it again, given the risks and the significant patient percentage dissatisfaction of knee replacement surgery, before you consider a surgical procedure, come on in for a Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Stem Cell consultation.
Addendum: because I am in a hurry to head out for the upcoming weekend to cycle and explore the streams of Southwestern Wisconsin with fly rod in hand, further more sayeth not. I will be in the company of several friends who are able to ride and wade because of the stem cells I placed in their knees.