How Old is Too Old for Hip, Knee Surgery?

 

Does age matter when it comes to hip and knee surgeries? 

According to a study published by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) and reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, patients 80 years and older who need a total hip or knee replacement may have comparable results to younger patients. The outcomes were the best among patients with few or no comorbidities (chronic conditions).

The most recent U.S. Census data reported Americans who are at least 85 years old are the fastest-growing population. With such an increase, physicians are also reporting a surge of hip and knee replacements surgeries among this group.

 

"Based on the results of this study, I think very elderly patients, particularly those with few or no comorbidities, should strongly consider the benefits of these procedures," said lead study author Hiroyuki Yoshihara, MD, PhD, an orthopaedic surgeon at State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center and Nassau University Medical Center.

Click here to read more about the study.

No matter what age, all patients should undergo a pre-surgery evaluation to be sure they are good candidates for the procedure. And the healthier a patient is before surgery, the more likely he or she will have better outcomes and/or recover quicker. 

To learn more about Texas Orthopedics' pre-surgery process, visit us at txortho.com or call us at (877) 966-7846.