Could orthopedic surgery have major benefits to more than just the patient? A 2020 study presented at the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons shows that patients' partners—and thereby their marriage—also reaped the benefits of the surgery.*
"It was obvious that patients have less suffering," said study author Michael Tanzer, MD, Jo Miller chair of orthopaedic research at McGill University Health Center in Montreal. "But that it actually improved their marital life, their relationship and their family life is not something I could have predicted beforehand."
In the study, spouses considered the main advantages to the patient's surgery as their own ability to carry on with social and leisure activities with their partner and no longer witnessing their spouse's suffering. About 54% reported experiencing diminished caregiver burden, increased sense of independence to resume their normal life, and/or improved marital relationship. About 27% reported an improved social and family life and/or freedom to travel.
“Patients locally are excited to get back to golfing, traveling, gardening, and being present with their families. The one phrase patients include after all activities is ‘without pain,’” said Corewell Health orthopedic surgeon,
Jeffrey Postma, DO. “Surgery is a light at the end of the tunnel for patients who have experienced pain for years.”
Throughout the study, patients reported that surgery had improved their mobility, allowed them to resume their favorite activities, improved their pain and improved their social and family life.
“A joint replacement surgery can be a positive, life-changing decision,” said Dr. Postma. “I see the difficulty patients had with movements fade away. So many individuals had to set aside their dreams due to activity limitations and pain, but now they’re setting goals and looking forward to planning their future.”
Is Joint Replacement in Your Future?
Join Corewell Health orthopedic specialists across Southwest Michigan for a free 45-minute community education seminar where you’ll learn about the latest techniques for addressing hip, knee, and shoulder pain. Find out if it’s time to consider joint replacement surgery and what improvements you can expect. Register to attend by calling 269.927.5361.
or sign up online at
spectrumhealthlakeland.org/joint-relief.
- Wednesday, July 19 at 6 p.m. - Van Buren Senior Center 8337 M-140, South Haven
- Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. - Coloma Public Library 151 W Center St, Coloma
- Tuesday, July 25 at 6 p.m. - Corewell Health St. Joseph Hospital, Frederick S. Upton Education Center 1234 Napier Ave. St. Joseph
- Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m. - Corewell Health Care Center 2002 S. 11th Street, Niles
*Source: Michael Tanzer, MD, Jo Miller chair of orthopaedic research, McGill University Health Center, Montreal; March 24, 2020, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ virtual meeting
Jun 29, 2023 Reporting from Niles, MI
Study Finds a New Hip or Knee Could be Good for Your Marriage
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/health-wellness/ask-the-experts/ask-the-experts/2023/06/29/study-finds-a-new-hip-or-knee-could-be-good-for-your-marriage
Jun 29, 2023
Jun 29, 2023
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Could orthopedic surgery have major benefits to more than just the patient? A 2020 study presented at the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons shows that patients' partners—and thereby their marriage—also reaped the benefits of the surgery.*"It was obvious that patients have less suf
Study Finds a New Hip or Knee Could be Good for Your Marriage
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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