Choosing right surgeon improves life of joint replacement surgeries

New Delhi: As India is facing the knee arthritis epidemic the number of patients requiring knee replacement has grown exponentially. Joint replacement surgery is a frequently performed operation — over 2 lakhs hip and knee replacements are implanted every year in India, and the results are typically excellent as drastically improves the quality of life and takes away debilitating pain.
 
Even though most of the surgeries performed are a great relief to the patients and surgeons go to great lengths to take whatever necessary steps possible to avoid complications, but sometimes, the results end up dramatically worse.
 
Attributing to a plethora of reasons, be it choosing the right surgeon, right hospital with the optimal facilities and technology, certain criteria are required to have opted by the patients in order to have quality-of-life post-treatment.
 
One of the most critical aspects is an experience of a surgeon. Various studies have consistently shown that surgeons with a higher volume of performed surgeries under their belt yield outcomes with fewer complications. Some studies have identified cut-off numbers at 25, others 30, and others 50 surgeries per year.
 
“You shouldn't feel reluctant to ask your surgeon about their volume. I can assure you that this is not an uncommon question, and surgeons should be perfectly comfortable sharing the stat with potential patients. Sometimes it is easier to ask your surgeon if he or she performs joint replacements every week or every month, rather than asking for the number performed annually. Lastly, I always encourage people to get to know their surgeon and ensure they have a good relationship and rapport.” Said Dr Ramneek Mahajan, Senior Director (Orthopaedics) & Head Joint Reconstruction (Hip & Knee) Unit, Max Hospital, Saket.
 
The number of surgical procedures that an individual performs is just one criterion that you can use to evaluate their experience. Some patients will also compare their surgeon's training, their board certifications, and other factors, but these have not been shown to have as much of an impact as the volume of surgical procedures that he or she performs each year.
 
NABH and The Joint Commission International, are the most prominent hospital certification organization, also provides certification for centers of excellence. In order to achieve this level of certification, hospitals must demonstrate high levels of the organization around their patient care program. Specifically, the NABH and Joint Commission certification is focused on ensuring there are processes and standards in place to ensure effective communication and adherence to evidence-based practices.
 
Among hospitals that routinely perform joint replacement surgery also offer some type of joint replacement program that includes preoperative education and standardized protocols to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time during and after their hospitalization.
 
Choosing the right surgeon and hospital are two of the many decisions that may affect the likelihood of success after undergoing joint replacement surgery. There are many other steps that patients can take to improve their results from surgery.  By understanding more about joint replacement surgery, the possible complications that can occur, and the steps that you can take to avoid these complications, you will position yourself in the best way possible to have a long-lasting, pain-free joint replacement.
 
“It is important to understand that there is no single criteria that are most important.  Rather, taking many small steps can help to improve your chances of a successful outcome. Just as you look for the right surgeon and the right hospital, you should be paying attention to your general health, keeping your weight ideal, participating in pre-operative exercises, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and taking other steps to achieve the highest chance of a successful outcome.” He added