In an interview with CBS New York, Stephen Haas, MD, reported a combination of technical developments have improved hip and knee replacement surgery.
Here's what you need to know.
1. Smaller openings at the hip and knee have improved hip and knee surgery
2. New medication is available to prevent blood loss and decreases pain.
3. Because of the smaller openings and new medication, recovery time is faster.
4. At New York University's Hospital for Joint Disease, physicians are using the recently FDA approved optimized positioning system, which uses multiple x-rays of the hip and spine to create a 3D model of the hip.
5. Total joint replacements are being done in younger patients because of new joint's 20 to 30 year lifespan.