Not all patients can reap the minor benefits of advanced knee replacements
Arthritic seniors concerned about keeping their knees mobile in order to stay independent while living on a fixed income can buy Canadian Synvisc for prices cheaper than in the U.S.
Arthritic seniors concerned about keeping their knees mobile in order to stay independent while living on a fixed income can buy Canadian Synvisc for prices cheaper than in the U.S. Such treatments may help delay the advancement of osteoarthritis, which may lead to some patients requiring a knee replacement. A new study suggests that when it comes to the growing market of knee replacements, minor innovations may not mean much for some individuals.
One reason why so many prosthetics can reach the market is because they are considered low-risk and only have a few differences from older models. The result is patients reaping incremental benefits at higher costs, according to researchers from the Yale School of Medicine.
A computer model analyzed the differences between newer and standard models of total knee replacements, for patients of various ages. Results showed that recently released prosthetics, manufactured to be more durable, may not make meaningful treatments for older patients or those with multiple conditions, as published Oct. 20 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Patients, physicians, device manufacturers, and policymakers should be aware that innovative medical devices may not offer equal value in all patients," said author Lisa Suter.
More than 500,000 Americans need a knee replacement every year, according to the American Medical Association.
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