Baltimore Surgeons Work to Narrow the Racial Divide in Orthopaedic Treatment Options for Arthritis Pain Sufferers

For the majority of patients who undergo joint replacement, today’s products are more advanced and the procedures are less invasive than they were several years ago. Despite the advances, many African Americans who suffer from arthritis harbor misconceptions that prevent them from considering joint replacement to eliminate their pain.

Dr. James Wood, an orthopaedic surgeon at Baltimore’s Harbor Hospital explained, “The fear factor is prevalent among those who shun the procedure that could help them enjoy a better quality of life. They are afraid of complications, fearful of the anesthesia, bothered by people they know who didn’t get good results, even fearful of the medical system that they believe may not have their best interest at heart. These apprehensions run deep, but they are without foundation. We have to seriously address these misperceptions if we want to close the gap in the disparity between black Americans treated effectively for joint pain and the relief enjoyed by members of other races.”

Less invasive joint replacement surgery is done with “less insult to the body,” according to Dr.Wood. For patients that qualify, this means that incisions for knee and hip procedures can be smaller, resulting in less scarring, less pain, shorter hospital stays and can often result in a quicker recovery period. “In summary, the procedure is generally less traumatic than it has ever been,” Dr Wood concluded.

Joint replacement surgery is recommended for many people with pain that limits their ability to function or restricts their comfort level when it comes to doing those things most important to them on a routine basis. Modern technology has raised the odds considerably that individuals will return to a high level of pain-free mobility.

Some cast aside the thought of joint replacement surgery thinking that they either can’t afford it, are prevented from doing it because of other illnesses or have too much excess weight for successful results.

Dr. Wood stated, “None of these issues will automatically mean an individual can’t obtain joint replacement and that these issues can be addressed, once an individual shows the initiative to inquire about the procedure. The biggest hurdle in understanding and accessing joint replacement is communication.”

“Re-establishing trust (in medical professionals) is a priority,” Dr. Wood acknowledged. “I believe the barriers between African Americans receiving joint replacement procedure knowledge and access will be overcome. We want to see all Americans avail themselves of the latest technology to improve their quality of life.”

That’s why Zimmer has partnered with orthopaedic surgeons like Dr. Wood, to educate African American communities in the Baltimore area about joint replacement options. The surgeons are involved in Zimmer’s Back in the Groove™ Healthcare Program which is geared to speak directly to the African American community to make that population more aware of the facts surrounding joint replacement and how they can benefit from the procedure. A major factor will be introducing others who have benefited from the process.

“We understand the importance of identifying priority populations for public health interventions to narrow health disparities. This campaign, along with the pioneering strides Zimmer has made in the development of gender-specific knee replacement technology, offers new hope to long-suffering arthritis patients,” said Zimmer Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Elliott. “Zimmer has long been recognized as a leader in professional medical education, and with Back in the Groove, we are building on our commitment to educate and to enhance awareness of treatment options among a population that has not had access to such information.”