Total joint arthroplasty improved patient quality of life, marital function of spouse
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Improvements in mobility and pain after total joint arthroplasty had a positive effect on both the patient and their spouse, with significant improvements in quality of life and marital functioning of the spouse, according to results.
Michael Tanzer, MD, FRCSC, FAAOS, and colleagues surveyed 33 couples (66 respondents) within 1 year after arthroplasty surgery about their level of pain before and after recovering from surgery, as well as their level of disability in seven different activities of daily living. Researchers also had spouses list in order of importance the ways the surgery of their spouse affected their overall quality of life.
Results showed spouses reported a greater improvement in family/home responsibilities, recreation and social activities, and in their occupation following their partner’s surgery. Spouses also reported lifestyle improvements after the arthroplasty procedure, including doing more activities/leisure, less suffering of their partner, more independence and less caregiving, improved marital relationship, better social/family life and ability to travel, according to results. Researchers found spouses estimated their partner’s pain to be significantly higher than the patient’s perception both preoperatively and at the time of the survey.
“This study specifically addresses the benefits of hip and knee arthroplasty surgery for the patient’s spouse. The improvements in mobility and pain allow patients to partake in activities such as walking, travelling and sporting activities with their spouse, which is reported in this study to have a positive effect on their quality of life,” Tanzer told Healio Orthopedics. “In the era of patient-centered care, it should be recognized that a hip and knee arthroplasty has the potential to improve the quality of life and marital relationship not only for the patient, but for the spouse as well. This should be recognized as a significant benefit of the procedure.” – by Casey Tingle
Reference: Tanzer M, et al. Poster 0036. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 24-28, 2020 (meeting canceled).
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Nicholas Greco, MD
Osteoarthritis not only has a significant effect on a patient's quality of life, but also impacts the spouse or significant other's quality of life. In many cases, the patient is not only frustrated that they are unable to be more active due to their arthritis, but also voice their concern regarding the effect it is having on their significant other. A patient may be frustrated that they are unable to partake in activities together that were previously very important or that the significant other is devoting much of his or her day caring for the patient. Many significant others will voice the same concerns in the office. After making a full recovery from a joint replacement procedure, many significant others will voice their appreciation as the couple can now perform important activities together and begin to plan important trips again. The surgery has improved the quality of life of both the patient and significant other together.
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Tanzer M, et al. Poster 0036. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 24-28, 2020 (meeting canceled).
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