Risk of damaging hip and knee joints highlighted in casinos' health advisories
In a recent evaluation, the Medical Service of the Health Funds (MDK) has raised concerns about the use of knee and hip joint arthritis injections and shockwave therapy, two commonly offered self-pay services in German medical practices.
The evaluation found that only three self-pay services showed a tendency towards a positive outcome, while 26 services were deemed unclear due to insufficient studies. In the case of knee and hip joint arthritis injections, the MDK's verdict on their effectiveness is "uncertain."
Stefan Gronemeyer, chairman of the Medical Association, has criticized the use of promises of benefit through practice flyers and TV advertisements. He calls for facts instead of advertising in waiting rooms and demands two new regulations to curb Individual Health Services in medical practices (IGeL).
The potential benefits of knee and hip joint arthritis injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, typically include reduction of inflammation, pain relief, improved joint mobility, and potentially delaying the need for surgery. However, the risks may involve infection, allergic reaction, temporary increase in pain, joint damage with repeated injections, and possible systemic side effects depending on the medication used.
The MDK's concerns are based on numerous studies over 50 years that suggest the potential harm of these injections outweighs their benefits. Shockwave therapy, often offered as a self-pay service for conditions like frozen shoulder and tennis elbow, lacks conclusive studies on its effectiveness, according to the health insurers' survey.
Orthopedics is one of the three most lucrative specialties in the IGeL market, along with ophthalmology and gynecology. Every year, insured individuals spend at least 2.4 billion euros on individual health services in medical practices.
It is essential to note that unlike hyaluronic acid injections, several treatments that aim to relieve pain and improve mobility for arthritis patients are covered by insurers, up to and including joint replacement in severe cases.
The MDK's reports usually emphasize evidence-based assessment of effectiveness and safety, often recommending treatments only when supported by clinical benefit and minimal risks. For a precise MDK statement on the risks and benefits of knee and hip joint arthritis injections, one would need to consult their official publications or assessments dedicated to arthritis treatments.
In Germany, one in six people between the ages of 60 and 80 are affected by knee joint arthritis, and one in ten by hip joint arthritis, with a significantly higher prevalence in those over 80. Gronemeyer states that many insured people believe services are beneficial but are no longer offered by insurers, which is incorrect.
The MDK's call for regulation and transparency in IGeL services highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need for medical practices to regularly offer independently created, evidence-based assessments and information to their patients. Practices should be required to provide clear and accurate information about the benefits and risks of various treatments, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
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