| When I speak with other orthopedic doctors, one | | | | time, it is important not to push your body too hard. |
| thing is clear-hip and knee replacement surgeries are | | | | In fact, one-third of hip patients and one-quarter of |
| on the rise. As the baby boomer generation grows | | | | knee patients were unable to walk half a mile one |
| older, demand is growing for these increasingly | | | | year after their surgeries. While most people have |
| common surgeries, according to a study presented at | | | | success with replacement surgery, there is a small |
| the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' | | | | chance of infection, and complications, like weakened |
| 2006 annual meeting. | | | | muscles and legs of unequal length, can occur. |
| It's obvious that the baby boomers are not so willing | | | | Are There Less Drastic Alternatives? |
| to give up their active lifestyle and leisure pursuits, so | | | | It is true that a standard replacement gives most |
| hip and knee replacement is going to be more | | | | people the best possible results, but some |
| prevalent as time goes on! So the question for many | | | | alternatives are available: |
| over the age of 55 is: | | | | Hip resurfacing - This procedure can help even |
| Is Surgery For You? | | | | severe arthritis sufferers by employing a smaller |
| When people suffer from severe osteoarthritis, hip | | | | implant and removing less of the bone than standard |
| or knee replacement is often the best option to stay | | | | replacement surgery. |
| active longer. In over 70% of patients, implants | | | | Knee Osteotomy - Best for young, active patients, |
| replace joints that are damaged or worn out due to | | | | this surgery shifts pressure off of the weakest part |
| osteoarthritis. But many also have the same surgery | | | | of the joint. It is an option for people whose arthritis |
| performed due to fractures, injury trauma or | | | | is located on only one side of the knee. |
| rheumatoid arthritis. Although the average age of | | | | Partial knee replacement - This is a choice if you |
| patients is 71 years old, the trend seems to be | | | | have limited osteoarthritis and involves resurfacing |
| leaning toward younger and younger patients. | | | | only one compartment of the knee. |
| Undergoing a hip or knee replacement is a major | | | | Although hip or knee replacement-or the |
| decision for you and your doctor, so it may help to | | | | alternatives-is a big decision, it is important not to |
| know that 82% of 1,001 patients surveyed by | | | | wait too long. If you have pain that makes it difficult |
| Consumer Reports were "very satisfied" or | | | | to sleep and perform everyday tasks, and doesn't |
| "completely satisfied" with their results. | | | | respond to pain medication, you should see an |
| As I tell my patients, however, recovery doesn't | | | | orthopedic surgeon who will help you decide what |
| happen overnight and may be painful. Of the people | | | | course of action to take. |
| surveyed, the majority was able to cease taking pain | | | | The good news is that joint replacements are |
| medication after two months, but 12% were still | | | | improving, so chance of success is high, and patients |
| taking it one year after surgery. | | | | can enjoy many years of freedom from aches and |
| It is encouraging to know that 90% of patients could | | | | pains. There is no reason why you shouldn't make |
| do everyday activities after one month. At the same | | | | your golden years as active and fulfilling as possible. |