Research is demonstrating that joint replacement doesn’t merely restore function to damaged joints. Restoring joint function now can prevent falls later, along with the complications and risks that accompany them.
As we mature, we want to maintain a healthy, active life. Advancements and improvements in joint replacements have made elective procedures more available, and more beneficial, for the people who want them. Recent research has confirmed the benefits of joint procedures. According to a study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, as the number of major elective orthopedic procedures in the U.S. have increased, post-operative mortality and complication rates have fallen.
A joint replacement doesn’t merely restore function to a damaged joint. Knee or hip replacement also helps to prevent falls. Hip fractures suffered as the result of a fall by people age 65 and older can have devastating consequences. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine looked at the effect of hip fractures on people living in nursing homes. More than a third of patients died within six months of a fracture. At one year, the mortality rate for hip fracture patients was nearly 50 percent. Even among fracture patients who did survive, many experienced complete loss of independent motion.
A joint replacement now can reduce your risk of a fracture later, when you are more vulnerable to fracture complications. If you are among the rising number of patients considering an elective knee replacement, statistics support a positive outcome:
- 90 percent of knee replacement patients reported a significant reduction in pain.
- 85 percent of artificial knees are still functioning 20 years after the surgery.
- 60 percent of knee replacement patients are women.
- 10 percent of knee replacement patients require revision surgery 10 years later.
If you are experiencing joint problems that make you an appropriate candidate to consider joint replacement, the expertise of our specialists, supported by our state-of-the-art facilities, are here to consult with you to determine the best course for you to maintain the life you love.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
