Clinical trial helps people recover after knee surgery pain

Researchers at the University of Bristol, say the scheme could save the NHS £14m a year.

 

The five year research programme, led by the university and North Bristol NHS Trust, involved patients attending a clinic three months after their surgery.

 

Patients were required to complete pain questionnaires, have X-rays taken and were tested for infections.  If needed, patients had continual treatment and were contacted up to six times over 12 months to check on their progress.

 

Researchers said they found those with additional help had less pain severity and impact on their daily life, hospital admissions were reduced and patients had less unpaid time off work.

 

Around 100,000 people a year in the UK have knee replacements, with one in five experiencing ongoing pain.  The university said the pathway saw more than £700 saved per patient on the programme over the course of a year, which could save the NHS £14m a year in reduced hospital admissions.

 

Wendy Bertram from the university said “People who did have the treatment were better at both six months and 12 months afterwards.

 

“We’re really over the moon.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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