When you’re making the decision to undergo a major elective medical procedure like knee replacement surgery, you want to be quite sure that you are going to be satisfied with the outcome when all is said and done. You can connect with friends, family members or co-workers who have had a joint replaced in the past to learn if they were satisfied with the results, but on a larger scale, are the majority of people happy that they underwent knee replacement once their recovery is over? That’s the topic we explore in today’s blog.
Knee Replacement Satisfaction Rate
Although the numbers vary slightly based on where you get your information, the fact of the matter is that the take-home point remains the same – the vast majority of patients are satisfied with their knee replacement after the fact. Low-end estimates suggest that roughly 80% of patients are satisfied with the results of their knee replacement surgery, and high-end estimates say that number could be as high as 94%. Either way, those numbers suggest that most patients are very pleased that they decided to undergo knee replacement surgery.
You may be able to boost your likelihood of being satisfied with your procedure if you focus on some of the controllable factors that can influence a patient’s satisfaction level. While not all factors that impact whether or not surgery and rehab are successful can be controlled by the patient (like implant position or a procedure-acquired infection), there are a few ways you can keep your recovery on track and experience improved healing, all of which increase your likelihood of being satisfied with your joint replacement procedure. Those factors to focus on include:
- Prehab – Prehabbing, or partaking in physical therapy before your joint replacement, has been linked to improved functional improvement after your operation.
- Don’t Put Off Surgery – Don’t put off surgery until your knee is in terrible shape. We still need certain areas and supportive structures to be able to do their job, and if these areas are compromised because your knee is in rough shape, you may still have some limitations after surgery, and that can impact satisfaction rates.
- Give PT Your All – You’re going to get out what you’re willing to put in when it comes to your rehab and physical therapy exercises. If you expect your knee to magically heal on its own without any work on your end, you’re likely to be dissatisfied with your results.
- Manage Expectations – You need to come in with the right expectations. If you come in assuming the process will be a breeze and your knee will feel like it did when you were 21 again, you’re going to be disappointed. Know that there will be discomfort, that rehab will take months, and you’re going to need to work, but also know that it will all be worth it in the end.
- Trust The Right Surgeon – Finally, you can improve your likelihood of being satisfied with your knee replacement procedure if you trust your care to an experienced surgeon like Dr. Botero. He’s helped countless patients remain active and improve their quality of life through knee replacement procedures, and he can do the same for you. Patient satisfaction is his top priority, so let him help you get back to living without constant knee pain.
For answers to questions you have about the knee replacement process, or to set up an initial consultation, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today at (865) 558-4444.
