Hip replacements are one of the most common joint replacement procedures performed in the US, as hundreds of thousands of Americans have an artificial hip inserted each year. Because it’s such a common procedure, and because our hip joints tend to deteriorate as we get older as a result of decades of stress and strain, many people wonder if there is an ideal time to have the procedure performed. If they know it’s in their future, they wonder if 65 is the ideal age to have it performed, or if they should have it done earlier or later. In today’s blog, we take a look at the ideal age for a person to undergo a hip replacement procedure.
The Ideal Age For A Hip Replacement
Despite the lead-in to this blog, we’re not going to give a specific age that is perfect for hip replacement because such an age doesn’t exist. Age is just a number, and everyone is different. A 50-year-old may show the same hip joint deterioration as a 75-year-old, so to pick an age and say that’s the ideal time to have your hip replaced would mislead our readers. Simply put, there is no perfect age at which your hip joint should be replaced.
So what indications should a patient look for to suggest that they’d be an ideal candidate for hip replacement at a given point in their life? It’s not about age, but rather physical capabilities, or lack thereof. Specifically, some factors that should drive your decision to consider hip replacement surgery include:
- Pain/Discomfort – Are you dealing with chronic hip pain or discomfort as you go about your day? Pain in and of itself doesn’t mean that you definitely need a hip replacement, but it should signal that attention should be paid to the area. If you keep doing the same actions, pain will likely only get worse. Connect with a hip specialist like Dr. Botero to learn about conservative or operative options for pain and discomfort.
- Holding You Back – Regardless of whether or not your hip joint is painful, if you are shying away from activities you once loved because it will be uncomfortable or you don’t trust your hip to handle the activity, it may be a sign that hip replacement procedure would be in your best interest. Hip replacement can help to restore your quality of life and make you more independent, so don’t let a hip issue hold you back.
- Overall Health – Your overall health is also an indication of whether or not the time is right for hip replacement surgery. Ideal patients will have a healthy body weight, no or few potentially hazardous comorbidities like high blood pressure or diabetes, and be considered healthy enough to handle the physical demands and the recovery that comes with the surgery. There’s no perfect formula here, but working to become a healthier version of yourself can make it easier for the surgeon to greenlight your surgery.
- Your Desire – Another factor that is strongly considered when deciding whether or not to move forward with a hip replacement procedure is the patient’s willingness and desire to move forward with a procedure. Obviously we’re never going to push a procedure through if the patient doesn’t want a new hip, but on the flip side, we want to know that the people we operate on really want the procedure and will be willing to put in the work to give themselves the best chance at recovery. We’ll make it very clear what will be asked of you before, and after your procedure, and your willingness to jump on board with those guidelines can help determine if you’re ready for a hip replacement procedure.
- Ability To Bounce Back From Surgery – A final consideration is how well the patient will likely bounce back after surgery, and this is where age is sometimes considered. The vast majority of hip replacement procedures are performed on patients between the age of 50 and 80. After 80, it can be much harder for the body to make a stronger recovery after a significant joint replacement. Again, everybody is different, but there comes a point where the risks outweigh the benefits based on how the person would likely handle the procedure and recovery. Don’t keep putting off addressing hip pain until surgery becomes a risky venture.
There may not be a perfect age to have your hip replaced, but we’re confident that Dr. Botero is the right surgeon to perform your operation if you find yourself in need of a new hip. To talk to his team, give Dr. Botero a call today at (865) 558-4444.
