The New Age of Joint Replacement: Why Younger Patients Are Choosing Surgery

11/11/2024

A growing trend in orthopedics reveals that younger people are undergoing hip and knee replacements, raising questions about the optimal age to undergo these procedures. According to the American Academy of Orthopedics, by 2030, people younger than 65 will account for more than half of hip replacements and more than 60 percent of knee replacements.

Only an orthopedic surgeon can help determine if a joint replacement is appropriate for a younger person, but they are becoming increasingly common among GenX and Millennials. Younger people are opting for the procedure due to advances in minimally invasive techniques and faster recovery times.

“We’re seeing patients in their early 60s, 50s and 40s say they are suffering from joint pain, and they don’t want discomfort to hold them back from the activities they enjoy,” said Monica Omey, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Carlsbad Medical Center. “What was once considered a last resort and only for seniors, joint replacement is now thought of as a viable option for younger generations who want to live an active lifestyle—and remain active for decades to come.”

Joint pain is a common complaint among all ages, and it affects each individual differently. Some people feel joint pain all of the time, or mostly when they’re moving. For others, it comes and goes, or radiates to other parts of the body. There are many treatments for joint pain, and orthopedic specialists may consider other interventions before surgery, including medications, physical therapy, injections like cortisone or hyaluronic acids, heat or cold therapies, and other options that can relieve pain.

For those seeking relief and weighing their options, Dr. Omey highlights what to expect from an orthopedic evaluation:

• Medical history: Patients will go over their family medical history, other existing conditions they have been diagnosed with—such as arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, diabetes, obesity and hypertension—and evaluate their overall pain.
• Physical examination: The doctor will assess the patient's swelling, reflexes and range of motion, including ability to walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and bend over.
• Diagnostic tests: Patients can expect to undergo blood work and imaging, such as an x-ray to look for deterioration, cysts, deformity or incorrect alignment.

“The good news is that when joint replacement procedures are needed, they are usually successful and can greatly improve mobility and quality of life,” added Dr. Omey. “There are also steps younger people can take now to reduce the potential need for a joint replacement in the future.”

To protect joints, Dr. Omey recommends:

• Eating a healthy diet that includes calcium.
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your joints.
• If you are a smoker, quit because smoking increases the risk of arthritis.
• And, exercise regularly, but consider embracing some lower impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or brisk walking.

To take Carlsbad Medical Center’s free, 5-minute joint risk assessment, visit www.yourorthopedichealth.com/carlsbad.

Back