UOA Physicians Interviewed at Annual American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Meeting
UOA physicians recently attended the 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) annual meeting. During that time, Dr. Stephen Kayiaros and Dr. David Harwood were interviewed by Hometown Radio, a service that distributes content to local radio stations, creating an opportunity for physicians to disseminate public health messages to their community.
At the meeting, Hometown Radio health reporter Christopher Michael interviewed various AAOS members about bone and joint health topics for the public. Potential topics included anything from seasonal injury prevention tips to setting the right expectations after hip replacement surgery. In the interview with Dr. Kayiaros and Dr. Harwood, they discussed the particulars of joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Kayiaros was asked when to consider joint replacement. “I generally tell patients that surgery is indicated once they feel pain and disability from a joint that affects the qualify of life, and they are no longer able to do daily activities and what they enjoy.”
He acknowledged that the common fear of most patients is recovery. “Fortunately, in 2015 joint replacement surgery is probably one of the most seamless procedures in orthopaedics. With minimally invasive techniques and pain control, patients are able to be back to normal within a couple of weeks.”
Dr. David Harwood spoke about advances in joint replacement. He said the most exciting advances in the field are in two areas. One is that “implant materials are so fantastic they can be expected to last a lifetime, including in young patients.” He added that this means those in need don’t have to wait until their “golden years”.
Secondly, said Dr. Harwood, there has been “a revolution, at the least an evolution, in the surgical techniques.” He used as an example knee replacements and pain management. Patients were once understandably concerned with the extremely painful post-operative period. With the new surgical techniques and the use of nerve blocks “there is virtually no pain following surgery,” he concluded.
Founded in 1933, the AAOS is the preeminent provider of musculoskeletal education to orthopaedic surgeons and others in the world. Its continuing medical education includes a world-renowned Annual Meeting and multiple CME courses around the country and at the Orthopaedic Learning Center as well as various medical and scientific publications and electronic media materials.
Click here to listen to the doctors’ interviews: