Here are 10 things to know:
1. Patients in their 50s are requesting procedures to maintain their active lifestyles.
2. Approximately 750,000 knee replacement surgeries and 550,000 hip replacement procedures are performed each year.
3. Knee replacement and hip replacement procedures are the largest elective surgeries performed.
4. Thomas McGovern, MD, of Core Orthopedics in Exeter, N.H., claims arthritis is the root cause for the high number of hip and joint replacement procedures.
5. Mild activity after hip or joint replacement surgery is advised. More strenuous activities such as running should be avoided to not put too much force on the joint.
6. Full knee replacement surgeries are more complicated than hip surgery. Therefore, Dr. McGovern recommends putting minimal strain on the joint to ensure it will not wear out.
7. Technological innovations allow for partial knee replacements that will enhance knee flexibility and better movement capabilities.
8. Partial knee replacements preserve parts of the original sensors, nerves, ligaments and tendons and will perform better as opposed to artificial parts.
9. Technological advancements are paving the way for a more natural joint replacement.
10. Dr. McGovern advises patients to not undergo joint replacement surgery as a solution to their lifestyle problems.
For more articles on orthopedics:
Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society names 4 new officers
Dr. Brian Cohen earned $3M with Adena: 4 key notes
Cannabinoids may improve orthopedic and musculoskeletal health — 5 things to know
