A study led by the University of Bristol found that nearly 160,000 joint replacement surgeries have been missed in the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that it will take many years, possibly decades, to clear this backlog even with rapid expansion. Knee, shoulder, and ankle surgeries have been affected more severely than hip and elbow surgeries. The private sector is now the main provider of joint replacements in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Recovery to pre-pandemic levels will be challenging and patients may experience unnecessary pain, disability, and decline in well-being. The study highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on joint replacement surgeries in the UK.
Source link
Around 160,000 UK joint replacement surgeries missed during COVID-19 pandemic, study finds
