The Advantage for Patients Whose Surgeons Conduct Research

Joint replacement surgeons ask many of the same questions you might ask when considering surgery: Will a new technique be safer or more effective? Are there ways to speed recovery? Make it less painful?

Questions like these are especially important when considering new technology and procedures. And research is the path to getting evidence-based answers — ones that guide and enhance our care and help improve your surgery outcomes.

You can find peace of mind knowing our specialists are dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements. Here’s an overview of how the Colorado Joint Replacement (CJR) team conducts research and shares the knowledge they gain with patients and colleagues.

Patient Safety is Always Top Priority

Our research efforts ensure our patients get the most current and effective joint replacement treatments. At CJR, most research is conducted by studying data. We have a database of over 30,000 patients that we’ve followed long-term. Our surgeons use this data in two ways: to educate CJR patients and make recommendations to national and international professional associations for joint replacement surgeons.

Some research does involve new implants, technology or procedures, but it is not experimental. If anything new is introduced to our patients, it is rigorously tested for safety first.

Before any study starts, it must first meet national and international research standards. All CJR providers have undergone extensive training to ensure compliance with these standards. Plus, all studies at CJR are evaluated by the AdventHealth Institutional Review Board to ensure the safety of all participants. Our providers and research team are happy to help answer questions you may have about our research process.

Types of Research Done at CJR

CJR specialists focus on research that seeks to improve patient outcomes. Examples of our studies include:

• Monitoring the safety of patients who bike, ski or hike post-surgery — Patient activities are followed for many years to ensure they are safe and do not affect implant longevity or patient outcomes.
  
  
• Broadening understanding of the effect of intense activity — Following activity levels after joint replacement has led to changes in recommended activity levels. Twenty years ago, only low-impact activity was advised. However, new implant designs have been introduced, and many patients want to return to high-intensity activities. CJR specialists recently published results of a study showing that at the five-year mark, patients with joint replacements involved in moderate- to high-impact activities are not at greater risk of implant failure.
  
  
• Looking at patient-specific variables that have an impact on both satisfaction and long-term outcomes after joint replacement — Findings from these studies are used to guide future care decisions and educate patients on what they can do for their best outcome.

Feel confident that your CJR specialists provide the most thoughtful, evidence-based care. They’re authoring standards of care followed by surgeons across the U.S. and around the world, and are honored to bring that expertise home to our Front Range community.

To schedule an appointment with a CJR specialist, call 720-524-1367.