A study was performed to determine whether or not a difference existed between males and females in the case of knee and hip arthroplasty, or surgical repair of a joint.
The testing was performed in Ontario, Canada and began with 48,218 potential canidates that were age 55 or older. First they were surveyed on their own personal thoughts on the severeity of their arthritis, or inflammation of a joint. Those who fell into the desired range were then further tested by means of physical examinations and radiographic data. Their degree of disablity was next determined. By and by the subjects were weeded out to only be composed of those with a WOMAC (Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index) score of 39 or higher. The scale runs 0 (no pain or disability) to 100 (the most severe pain and disability). this score of 39 or greater was, for the purposes of this study, refered to as severe arthritis. Their willingness to undergo such a procedure was also taken into consideration in the context of necessity of an arthroplasty.
The results were surprising yet sadly common. A higher percentage of women complained of what was refered to as severe arthritis. However, men also showed characteristics of severe arthritis. Nevertheless, women were less likely to have undergone or be waiting for a hip and knee arthroplasty. This curve toward men has been found in many other studies of its kind. Men and women, however, were both as willing to undergo such a procedure.
The results of this article and study show that in the case of female patients, hip and knee arthroplasty is underused where it has been tested and proved to be needed. Actions should be taken to aid all who suffer from this disabilitating problem.