Traditional perceptions of lengthy recovery periods from joint replacement surgery, have been challenged by new research.
The research, carried out by Blackrock Health, shows that one in two people who have undergone a hip or knee replacement were discharged from hospital within 48 hours, with 92% of all people surveyed spending less than five days in hospital overall.
Fifty five per cent of respondents were back to normal activities such as returning to work, exercise and undertaking household tasks within one month, with 78% reaching this milestone within two months.
The research reveals a significant disconnect between pre-operative concerns for hip and knee replacement surgery. One third of people who were considering surgery were worried about recovering from joint replacement surgery and putting off the procedure with a significant negative impact on their quality of life.
The research questioned people’s fears before surgery and whether their fear was justified post-surgery. Prior to surgery, 56% of people cited concerns about the recovery period such as having to change their routine, recovery at home, the wait before returning to normal activity or post-surgical pain.1 However, in many cases these fears were unfounded with 42% of people surprised at how quickly they started to see progress and 25% of people felt they were able to maintain their independence with little support.Thirty-seven per cent of respondents said that their pain was better than expected with 51% reporting it was easy to manage with medication.1
Commenting on the research, Mr Niall McGoldrick, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Blackrock Health said: “Hip and knee replacements are no longer procedures to be feared, but rather opportunities to embrace a future free from pain and limitations. Patients are back on their feet before they are discharged from hospital to ensure it is safe for them to return home, but the fact that 37% of patients are back walking within just one to two days of surgery, with that number jumping to 94% within a week, is a testament to the advances in surgical techniques and post-operative care.”
