Joint Replacement--Be Informed

[Peggy D]

Hubby went to orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement consult. Doc gave me info on The Villages Hospital and joint replacement procedure.

Apparently the hospital has entered into an excluseive agreement with a joint replacement company to be the sole provider of implants. This desicion was made strictly on a cost-saving measure and no review of any outcome data concerning the quality or safety of these devices was conducted.

Studies in Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand were looked and and it was found that the device used by The Villages Hospital has a significant history of higher than average failure rates which have resulted in the necessity for revision surgery.

Needless to say, hubby is having surgery done at Leesburg.

Just thought those considering, or needing the surgery should know.

[herbaru]

What is the name of the implant maker?

Hubby went to orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement consult. Doc gave me info on The Villages Hospital and joint replacement procedure.

Apparently the hospital has entered into an excluseive agreement with a joint replacement company to be the sole provider of implants. This desicion was made strictly on a cost-saving measure and no review of any outcome data concerning the quality or safety of these devices was conducted.

Studies in Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand were looked and and it was found that the device used by The Villages Hospital has a significant history of higher than average failure rates which have resulted in the necessity for revision surgery.

Needless to say, hubby is having surgery done at Leesburg.

Just thought those considering, or needing the surgery should know.

[Peggy D]

Exactech

[Pturner]

Hi Peggy,

Your post is a good reminder that wise to ask questions and research your options where surgery is concerned. I wish your hubby a speedy recovery and complete success!

[Pookirgirl]

Peg..I'm scheduled for a complete knee replacement in September. I do not know the name of the company who makes the joint but my doctor uses computer assistance to ensure a perfect fit. It is an additional $500..not covered by insurance. It is also optional but I feel a perfect fit is more important than the cash outlay.
I recently had rotator cuff surgery done by the same surgeon. His office is in Belleview and he does his surgeries in Munroe Hosp in Ocala. I've been in physical therapy for almost 8 weeks now and my therapists rave over my surgeon's successful surgeries. I wish your husband luck.

[mac9]

The Villages Hspt and Leesburg are part of the same system.Is this doctor saying that if he performs the surgery in Leesburg he is free to chose to use a different implant company? I had a knee replacement done in Leesburg last year and the surgeon used Exactech. I have had more problems post surgery than I had when I had the other knee done 5 years ago using a different implant, a Stryker triathalon. Since my surgery which has not yet required a revision but I am still in pain 18 months later, I have met 5 other people who had the surgery in 2009 by my same surgeon and who have had to have revisions. There were some variations as to the reason, but it all seems to be around the type and amount of cement that was used during the surgery and the overall fit of the implant.
Ask around. There are plenty of people with the same knee scars who are willing to discuss where they had their surgery and who did it.

[Peggy D]

Thanks everyone for your good wishes. Hubby needs some xray/test on Tuesday to determine if it will be full or partial replacement.

Mac9-- The info named The Villages Hospital only that uses just one
joint replacement device. Thats not saying Leesburg doesn't use this Exactech too, but has other choices available. Maybe Leesburg no longer uses this device since last year. I guess there is truth to this info since you are still having pain. Sorry to hear that. Hubby has talked to many people who have had knee replacement (boy, there are alot of you guys down here!) We feel very good about this doc. He came highly recommended right here on TOTV!!! Hope things turn out well for you.

[Chi-Town]

Hospitals and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) have been trying for over twenty-five years to have a sole source orthopedic implant supplier for economic reasons. Huge corporations such as Zimmer, Stryker (Howmedica) and Biomet have pitched sole source proposals. Here is the problem: the orhopedic surgeons have a comfort level and a success rate with certain companies. One company may have the best hip, another the best knee, and yet another the best revision ststem. The surgeons also have certain allegiances with the manufacturers based on long term reationships and other factors. The result is that the surgeons rule and multiple systems are used.

The fact that The Villages Hospital has a sole source agreement with Exactech, a minor player in the industry, is incredible. Perhaps their proximity (Gainesville) played in the decision. Who knows? But what this says is that the orthopedic surgeons that OK'd this are weak and to be avoided. Exactech's annual sales don't approach Zimmer's R and D budget. I guarantee that the better orthopods will find a way to have their implants brought in on a case by case basis or they will do their cases at another hospital.

[Talk Host]

This is a fantastic thread!

[Russ_Boston]

This is a fantastic thread!

Only if the info provided is accurate.

As with any medical procedure: take all you hear as info only and do your own research with your physician, insurance provider etc.

[Pturner]

Only if the info provided is accurate.

As with any medical procedure: take all you hear as info only and do your own research with your physician, insurance provider etc.

:agree:

[Peggy D]

Only if the info provided is accurate.

As with any medical procedure: take all you hear as info only and do your own research with your physician, insurance provider etc.

I doubt this surgeon would publish a pamplet, give it to thier patients and risk a lawsuit if there wasn't some truth to it.

As Mac9 stated, he (she) has this paticular knee replacement device and things aren't so good.

I agree with you Russ, having worked in the health field in a clinical setting for 22 years, patients should do their homework and be well informed before any procedure.

[Russ_Boston]

I doubt this surgeon would publish a pamplet, give it to thier patients and risk a lawsuit if there wasn't some truth to it.

As Mac9 stated, he (she) has this paticular knee replacement device and things aren't so good.

I agree with you Russ, having worked in the health field in a clinical setting for 22 years, patients should do their homework and be well informed before any procedure.

You're right - but perhaps it is this surgeon that has the limitations? Also, as you know, one patient's results does not a whole study make!

[Rosalie]

Does anyone have experience with hip "revisions"? Any suggestions for questions to ask the doctor would be appreciated! I know they have to use compatible materials as were used with the original hip replacement. I have to undergo this surgery within the next few months--ugh!

[jmarkohio]

I go to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for any surgery that I have needed.

[graciegirl]

I have always been told to go to a large teaching hospital that does big numbers in the procedure you are having.

This is a very helpful thread.

It is scary to leave behind physicians that have guided us for years.

[getdul981]

I have always been told to go to a large teaching hospital that does big numbers in the procedure you are having.

This is a very helpful thread.

It is scary to leave behind physicians that have guided us for years.

Gracie - That's one of the major concerns we have. My wife worked in the local hospital and knows most of the Drs. that we go to from when they were residents. We have also been going to the same Vet. for over 30 years. Gonna be hard to make the switch. She has found one Dr. in Richmond that has been great for treating her fibromyalgia and she's very concerned about leaving him. She has tried to get all of them to move to TV when we do. They ain't buyin' it.

[Chi-Town]

Exactech
I sent an email last night to some contacts in orthopedics and they never heard of Exactech. It may be a somewhat regional company. My confidence in The Villages Hospital would be much higher if they had chosen Zimmer or Stryker as their sole choice. Both companies have broad offerings, extensive in-servicing, and proven high quality implants. Companies like them tend to shun lesser quality surgeons, because a surgeon with "bad hands" can screw up the best implants and instrumentation. Draw your own conclusions.

Anyhow, just like the "who makes the best golf cart" threads, here's my list of the best orthopedic implant companies:
1. Stryker and Zimmer (tied)
3. Biomet
4. DePuy
5. Smith and Nephew

[graciegirl]

I sent an email last night to some contacts in orthopedics and they never heard of Exactech. It may be a somewhat regional company. My confidence in The Villages Hospital would be much higher if they had chosen Zimmer or Stryker as their sole choice. Both companies have broad offerings, extensive in-servicing, and proven high quality implants. Companies like them tend to shun lesser quality surgeons, because a surgeon with "bad hands" can screw up the best implants and instrumentation. Draw your own conclusions.

Anyhow, just like the "who makes the best golf cart" threads, here's my list of the best orthopedic implant companies:
1. Stryker and Zimmer (tied)
3. Biomet
4. DePuy
5. Smith and Nephew

Your information is excellent. I want you to live on our street.:thumbup:

[Peggy D]

I sent an email last night to some contacts in orthopedics and they never heard of Exactech. It may be a somewhat regional company. My confidence in The Villages Hospital would be much higher if they had chosen Zimmer or Stryker as their sole choice. Both companies have broad offerings, extensive in-servicing, and proven high quality implants. Companies like them tend to shun lesser quality surgeons, because a surgeon with "bad hands" can screw up the best implants and instrumentation. Draw your own conclusions.

Anyhow, just like the "who makes the best golf cart" threads, here's my list of the best orthopedic implant companies:
1. Stryker and Zimmer (tied)
3. Biomet
4. DePuy
5. Smith and Nephew

Thank Chi

My understanding form another post is that Exactech is local (Gainesville).
The decision to use this device was based solely on cost.

Please understand I have nothing against The Villages Hospital. I have heard from many that have had procedures done there and feel they got top-notched care. I am surprised at their decision to have dealings with only one company. One size does not fit all.

My understanding is that this was an administrative decision. On the back of the pamplet is a list of 16 board members. Of the 16, only 3 are doctors.
I have a real problem with non-medical people making medical choices that can affect me.

Thanks for the list. I have heard from many and they have given me the names of what they have. Many are on your list.

I can't say it enough--you guys ROCK!!!

[sunny46]

I can not say enough good things about my surgeon, Dr. Duke in Ocala. He replaced both of my knees 5 years ago at West Marion Hospital and I have had no problems. I am good as new, almost.:) The success also depends on the therapy afterward. You must do this.

[bkcunningham1]

I sent an email last night to some contacts in orthopedics and they never heard of Exactech. It may be a somewhat regional company. My confidence in The Villages Hospital would be much higher if they had chosen Zimmer or Stryker as their sole choice. Both companies have broad offerings, extensive in-servicing, and proven high quality implants. Companies like them tend to shun lesser quality surgeons, because a surgeon with "bad hands" can screw up the best implants and instrumentation. Draw your own conclusions.

Anyhow, just like the "who makes the best golf cart" threads, here's my list of the best orthopedic implant companies:
1. Stryker and Zimmer (tied)
3. Biomet
4. DePuy
5. Smith and Nephew

Just saw this recall notice on DePuy Orthopaedic Resurfacing System used in hip replacement surgery. How does a recall like this work?

http://www.jnj.com/connect/news/all/DePuy-Orthopaedics-Voluntarily-Recalls-ASR-Hip-System


http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100826-708552.html

[jmitchell]

I can not say enough good things about my surgeon, Dr. Duke in Ocala. He replaced both of my knees 5 years ago at West Marion Hospital and I have had no problems. I am good as new, almost.:) The success also depends on the therapy afterward. You must do this.


This is great to hear! I have just had a hip replacement here in Arlington, VA and it was absolutely, positively fantastic and life changing. I agree with you that therapy afterward and probably regular exercise forever is key, but a good surgeon with a good implant can really change your life!

I will probably need the other hip done a some point and possibly a knee so I'll be saving your post. Thanks for the information!

[784caroline]

Sunny46

My queston to you is after your surgery did you ever have any face time with Dr Duke or was it always with his PA.

That is one rub I have with Dr Duke and how he handles his practice.....even if you are having a problem..and are scheduled to see him.... you end up seeing the PA.

[Peggy D]

This is great to hear! I have just had a hip replacement here in Arlington, VA and it was absolutely, positively fantastic and life changing. I agree with you that therapy afterward and probably regular exercise forever is key, but a good surgeon with a good implant can really change your life!

I will probably need the other hip done a some point and possibly a knee so I'll be saving your post. Thanks for the information!

Hubby is seeing Dr Kerina. Highly recommended from both former patients and hospital staff. No PA, you see him. We are very pleased. Also, his office staff is very efficent.

Surgery is scheduled for Sept 1st.