Over the last decade, the number of young hip replacement patients between the ages of 45 and 54 has increased by more than 200 percent. We explain why younger patients are opting for hip replacement surgery.
For an active patient in his or her 40s or 50s, the idea of a hip replacement can be disconcerting. Isn’t this a surgical procedure reserved for the elderly? In fact, data show that the total number of annual hip replacements is increasing, as is the number of patients seeking a hip replacement at a younger age.
There are several reasons that more patients are choosing hip replacements and electing to have them at a younger age. This trend can be attributed to improvements in medical technology, faster surgical recovery, and the high quality of surgical outcomes.
- Over the last 15 years, new materials have been developed for implants, and contribute to their increased longevity. Based on current data, 90 percent of today’s hip implants will still be functioning well in 20 years. This makes hip replacement a more attractive option for younger patients struggling with loss of function.
- Advancements in surgical and rehabilitative protocols have significantly reduced the time patients need to recover from surgery. The average hospital stay for all hip replacement patients is 1.5 days; younger patients often recover even more quickly. Electing to have a hip replacement at a dedicated orthopedic surgical center like Summit’s Vadnais Heights and Eagan Surgery Centers offer additional benefits to support recuperation. Our on-site Care Suites offer luxurious quarters, care by orthopedic professionals, a much lower risk of infection, and the Secure Tracks rehabilitation program to help patients safely and quickly regain hip function after surgery.
- For all of these reasons, today’s total hip replacements have excellent outcomes. Patients no longer have to live with debilitating hip pain; this surgery enables them to return to an active, healthy lifestyle—and the sports they love—more quickly than ever.
At Summit Orthopedics, we work with each patient to assess and manage hip pain. We opt first to use conservative, nonoperative treatments like anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and behavior modification to manage pain for as long as these therapies provide relief. If conservative treatments aren’t enough to control your hip pain, and you find yourself curtailing the activities you enjoy, we can talk about whether a hip replacement may be an appropriate option for you.
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.