La Peer Orthopedic Surgeon Discusses New Study Which Finds Shoulder Replacement a Good Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 12, 2014 -- A study published recently in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery shows that shoulder replacement surgery is an effective option for reducing pain and improving range of motion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers conducting the study found that pain decreased from moderate or severe prior to surgery, to little or no pain after the surgery.
“This is an important finding,” said Steven W. Meier, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Co-Medical Director of the Joint Surgery Center of Excellence, a division of La Peer Health Systems. “This study shows us that for rheumatoid arthritis patients who fail to respond to more conservative treatments, surgery is a reliable option.”
The study also found that, in addition to the reduction of pain, shoulder arthroplasty resulted in a significant improvement in range of motion. Among those who received total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the percentage of patients who need no further surgical revision was 92.9%. Among those who received hemiarthroplasty, or partial shoulder replacement surgery, the rate was 87.9%.
“These numbers underscore the effectiveness of using shoulder replacement surgery as a means for treating rheumatoid arthritis,” said Dr. Meier. “These results are great news for all rheumatoid arthritis patients who have found that medication and physical therapy have failed to reduce pain and restore range of motion.”
Steven W. Meier, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of athletic injuries as well as those of the shoulder and knee. Dr. Meier has particular expertise in techniques of joint preservation as well as minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Dr. Meier also has his own orthopedic sports medicine practice, Meier Orthopedic Sports Medicine, in which he focuses on the progressive treatment of athletic injuries and those caused by trauma. He currently performs outpatient surgical procedures at La Peer Health Systems.
La Peer Health Systems is an outpatient surgery center in Beverly Hills, founded by doctors and focused on providing excellent patient care alongside the most cutting-edge medical treatments available. With 40 world-renowned physicians in 13 specialties, we offer comprehensive medical treatment that takes patients from consultation to diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and ultimately aftercare. Our 13 medical departments include orthopedics & sports medicine, gastroenterology, head & neck surgery, colorectal & general surgery, podiatry, ophthalmology, pain management, plastics & reconstructive surgery, gynecology, spine surgery, interventional cardiology, bariatric surgery, and anesthesiology. Unlike large hospitals, La Peer's unique structure offers extremely personal care in a safe and controlled environment.
More information about La Peer Health Systems can be found on our website at http://www.LaPeerHealth.com.
Risa Luksa, La Peer Health Systems, http://www.lapeerhealth.com/, +1 310-657-2203, [email protected]
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