Failure and Mortality...
A Recent Study Reports Knee Replacement
May Actually Reduce An Older Patient's Risk For Mortality and Heart Failure New research presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) highlights the benefits of total knee replacement (TKR) particularly in older patients with osteoarthritis, including a lower probability of heart failure and mortality.
Researchers reviewed Medicare records to identify osteoarthritis patients; Separating them into two groups: those who underwent TKR to relieve symptoms, and those who did not.
In older patients suffering with Osteoarthritis, the specific outcomes analyzed included average annual Medicare payments for related care, mortality, and new diagnoses of congestive heart failure, diabetes and depression.
Differences in costs and risk ratios were adjusted
for multiple variables including age, gender, race and region. The results (adjusted for underlying health conditions) were compared at specific time periods of one year, three years, five years and seven years after surgery.
The seven-year cumulative average Medicare payments for all treatments were $63,940
for the non-TKR group; while it was $83,783 for
the TKR group, an incremental increased seven-year cost of $19,843. The cost does
not include prescription drugs, which are much higher in the non-TKR group.
There were significant positive reports in the osteoarthritis Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
group: the risk of mortality was half that of
the non-TKR group and the congestive heart
failure rate also was lower, at three, five and
seven years after surgery.
There was no difference in diabetes rates among both groups. Depression rates were slightly higher in the TKR group during the first three years after surgery, but there was no difference at five
or at seven years.
"These patients had improved survivorship and reduced risk for cardiovascular conditions," said Scott Lovald, PhD, MBA, lead investigator of the study. "More specifically, total knee replacement in osteoarthritis patients may reduce patient mortality
by half. There are few health care investments that are so cost effective."
Story Source:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons "Knee replacement may lower a patient's risk for mortality and heart failure, study suggests."2012;
This article is for informational and educational purposes only; It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor orhealthcare professional.
