5 things to know about having joint replacement surgery during COVID-19
If you're suffering from joint pain and considering a joint replacement, you're not alone. Chronic, debilitating pain that requires joint replacement affects nearly one in four adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative.[1] But unfortunately, many people wait years to move forward with surgery, enduring significant pain and negatively impacting their lives.
This delay has worsened in the current climate of stress and fear of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 48% of people reported they postponed elective joint replacement surgery due to fears and concerns stemming from COVID-19, according to a recent U.S. survey of
1,200 people comprised of joint replacement patients, candidates and their caregivers, conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by a leading medical device company Zimmer
Biomet.[2] Informed by the results of this survey, Zimmer Biomet recently launched Don't Let Pain Gain on You, an educational resource aimed at informing and empowering those living with joint pain to make informed decisions about joint replacement surgery in partnership with their healthcare professional.
Although joint replacement is typically considered an elective surgery, it is an important tool in restoring people's mobility and helping to enhance their quality of life. If you are considering joint replacement surgery and feeling hesitant during the
COVID-19 pandemic, here are five things to consider:
1. Quality of life Relief from debilitating pain is the number one benefit of joint replacement surgery.
2. Talk to your healthcare professional about an outpatient procedure and digital health platforms
3. Understand the safety protocols in place to help minimize exposure to CO
VID-19
4. Consider your caregivers.
5. Delaying joint replacement surgery can lead to additional pain
Zimmer Biomet's survey also found that those who have postponed their elective joint replacement surgery due to COVID-19 related concerns report that their daily lives have been impacted, citing increases in pain (71 percent), mobility changes (58percent) and worsening sleep (36 percent).