Orthopedic Surgeon Tells Why to Persuade Patients Against Having Surgery
NORWALK, Conn., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM Medica US announces an opinion article in Rheumatology Network by an orthopedic surgeon urging rheumatologists to help their patients decide they don't need surgery.
Rates of orthopedic surgery are generally on the rise, the number of people with age-related joint problems is increasing, and medical societies and other organizations have joined to try to reduce the number of unnecessary procedures. Meanwhile, "many patients are under the unfortunate impression that if something is torn it must be fixed," says orthopedic surgeon Howard Luks MD of New York Medical College in an article in Rheumatology Network.
In "When Not to Fix: Thoughts of an Orthopedic Surgeon," Luks points out that research and his own experience show that, when patients learn that their problem may be a normal part of aging rather than something "broken," they usually decide for less intrusive and invasive options such as physical therapy, weight loss, and over-the-counter painkillers. This surgeon urges rheumatologists, the specialists who first see people with chronic joint problems such as arthritis, to listen more to "the story the patient is telling us" and less to the results of tests such as MRI that reveal physical signs of damage.
About UBM Medica US
Addressing today's healthcare information needs, UBM Medica US, delivers strategic, integrated communications solutions and comprehensive reach -- online, in print, and via custom programs. Improving the effectiveness of healthcare through information and education, UBM Medica US provides unbiased clinical, practical, and business information for physicians, providers, payers, and patients around the world. Through journals, magazines, websites, online communities, drug databases, digital events, and other valuable resources, UBM Medica US also delivers comprehensive communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and related industries. Websites include CancerNetwork.com, ConsultantLive.com, DiagnosticImaging.com, RheumatologyNetwork.com, OBGYN.net, PhysiciansPractice.com, PsychiatricTimes.com and SearchMedica.com. UBM Medica US is part of UBM Connect – which provides marketing services across a number of communities, the largest of which are healthcare, medical device design and advanced manufacturing. UBM Connect also includes UBM Studios, the global leader in interactive digital environments. UBM Connect is a UBM plc company. For more information, visit www.UBMMedicaUS.com.
About UBM plc
UBM plc is a global events-led marketing services and communications company. We help businesses do business, bringing the world's buyers and sellers together at events and online, as well as producing and distributing news and specialist content. Our 5,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into expert teams which serve commercial and professional communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.
For more information, go to www.ubm.com; follow us on Twitter at @UBM_plc to get the latest UBM corporate news.
Media contact:
Jason J. Golden
Content Marketing Manager
203-523-7040
[email protected]
SOURCE UBM Medica US
Share this article