Don't Wait for the Pain

The common wisdom has long been to avoid surgery whenever possible. The findings of a new study, however, suggest that people suffering from osteoarthritis might be better off undergoing knee and hip replacement surgery before their pain becomes so severe that surgery is seen as the only remaining option.

As reported in the December 5, 2002, issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, patients could have a positive impact on their quality of life ?by having this surgery before their arthritis became severe.? So stated the lead author, Harvard University?s Dr. Jeffrey N. Katz.