Deciding whether to have a hip or knee replaced is a big decision. Most people only considered these surgeries an option for the elderly, but they can give you a new lease on life at any age. However, there’s more to consider with joint replacement surgery than your age.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Mitchell Klement, MD, specializes in complex hip and knee replacement surgeries as well as reconstruction procedures. He takes a patient-centered and evidence-based approach when recommending care, which includes offering second opinions for those feeling uneasy about joint replacements.
Dr. Klement shares these insights into hip and knee replacement surgeries and why it’s an option if you’re in your 40s — or even younger.
The main reasons to consider a hip or knee replacement are if you have significant pain, decreased joint function, and reduced quality of life. That’s because joint replacement surgery eliminates these issues by removing damaged areas and replacing them with metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthetics.
Instead of thinking about your age, Dr. Klement recommends asking yourself the following questions:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a joint replacement procedure could give you a new lease on life.
One of the advantages of waiting for a joint replacement is that the implantable prosthetics used in these procedures don’t last forever. Plus, younger patients tend to have more active lifestyles, which can wear them out faster. As a result, there’s a possibility that a younger person who has a joint replaced could need another procedure in the future.
However, the technology surrounding implantable devices has significantly advanced in recent decades. Instead of lasting 10-15 years like they did in the past, studies show that modern joint implants are lasting longer than ever. In fact, Harvard Medical School reports the following statistics regarding the life of modern implants.
Surgical approaches have also improved, leading to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. That means the process of getting a joint replacement has become even easier for patients. Now, after having a joint replaced, it’s even possible to go home the same day. And, depending on the joint you’re having replaced and the severity of your condition, you can often resume most activities within 8-12 weeks and fully recover within 6-12 months.
Having a joint replaced can be a life-changing experience, so it’s important to weigh all of the factors involved when considering surgery. While there’s certainly a possibility that you may need another procedure in the future, it may be worth the risk. If your joint causes significant pain, no longer functions properly, or negatively impacts your quality of life, then hip or knee replacement surgery could be a great option.
Do you want to see if a hip or knee replacement is right for you? Contact Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin by calling 262-223-3040 or by booking an appointment online today.
