Total knee replacement surgery is designed to help reduce pain and increase function in a degenerative knee joint, but unfortunately not every patient achieves the outcomes they desire. Sometimes that’s due to mismatched expectations, while other times there are other controllable factors that need to be addressed before, during or after surgery. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the ways Dr. Botero and his team work to prevent patient dissatisfaction following a total knee replacement operation.
Why Aren’t Patients Satisfied With Total Knee Replacement?
A recent study found that upwards of 20 percent of total knee replacement patients are dissatisfied with the results of their replacement operation. What’s causing them to be dissatisfied, and how can a surgeon work to improve patient satisfaction? Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons for dissatisfaction, and how we work to prevent them.
- Mismatched Expectations – Sometimes patients are disappointed in the results of their surgery because they thought they’d have much more physical function after an operation. A replacement operation is designed to help you be more physically active, but that doesn’t mean you’ll for sure be able to play basketball or run a half marathon after surgery. We need to examine your degeneration and set realistic goals based on a variety of factors so that you know what to reasonably expect following surgery.
- Still In Pain – A number of patients still have some discomfort and pain in their surgically replaced knee. The vast majority have less pain than they had before, but they are dissatisfied because they thought their knee pain would be eliminated. Again, a number of factors will play into your post-op recovery and pain reduction, so you shouldn’t necessarily expect full pain relief.
- It Takes Work On Your End – Simply getting the implant put in won’t provide you with the functional improvements you seek, you’re going to need to put in the work on your end. If you just sit on the couch for months and hope that time will help restore physical function, you’re in for disappointment. Know that you’re going to need to put in work on your end if you want to achieve the best outcomes.
- Implant Breaking/Shifting – This isn’t really something that the patient can fully control, but at the same time, you’ll want to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions so that you don’t put too much pressure on the knee too soon after surgery. Dr. Botero and his team use the best hardware and the most innovative surgical techniques to help do everything in their power to reduce the likelihood of an issue with your implant. Trust your operation to a surgeon who is versed in the least-invasive replacement techniques.
- Cost – A recent study found that the average knee replacement surgery costs about $31,000, which is a major expense for anyone. Insurance can help offset some of the cost, but you really need to consider the financial implications associated with the operation so that there aren’t any surprises down the road. Budget and clear things with an insurance company in advance so that you have an idea of what you’ll need to pay to have your surgery performed. Many clinics also offer payment options to help defer the cost of the procedure over time, so take advantage of these options.
Dr. Botero and his team will do everything they can to help ensure that you are satisfied with the results of your knee replacement procedure. For more information, or for help with your knee discomfort, contact Dr. Botero’s office today.
