Joint Replacement Surgery, Patient Beliefs, Treatment Options and More
At SPHC we were very excited by the discussion that took place on Insight on SBS last week. The conversation revolved around the current state of joint replacement surgery, patient beliefs, treatment options and funding schemes in Australia at present.
In 2014/15, the prevalence of lower back pain was estimated at 16% of the population, or 3.7 million people! Hip and knee pain were also listed as major pain problem areas because of osteoarthritis, with osteoarthritis being the predominant condition leading to joint replacement surgery in Australia.
We know that specific exercises and activities can have massive benefits on joint related pain and can reduce the need for surgery or prolong joint function for as long as possible prior to surgical intervention. As more studies are being done on the effectiveness of surgical treatment, it is becoming more widely recommended to trial a conservative approach before going under the knife.
Research now tells us that that about 50% of surgical interventions for joint issues have no scientific evidence to prove they are superior to non-surgical treatments, and another 25% are no more effective than alternatives such as physiotherapy, exercise and weight loss.
At SPHC we strongly believe that a targeted exercise and strengthening program can greatly improve pain and function and should be trialled before surgery in a large number of cases.
If you are suffering from lower back, hip or knee pain and are thinking about undergoing orthopaedic investigations, this is worth a watch!
View video here
Write up by Damon Kerns-Stokes
Amazing Physiotherapist and Sue’s right hand man
Call our lovely reception staff on 38691099 to book in for treatment if you have chronic joint pain!
References:
Osteoarthritis, (2017). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Accessed: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/arthritis-other-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoarthritis/contents/what-is-osteoarthritis
Impacts of Chronic Back Problems, (2016). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Accessed: https://www.apsoc.org.au/PDF/Publications/20160816_AIHW_Impacts_of_Chronic_Back_Pain.pdf
Joint Operation, (2018). SBS Broadcasting. Accessed: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/tvepisode/joint-operation