Will a New Hip Improve My Life?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip joint is a common cause of pain and disability in the elderly.

Commonly referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis, OA creates difficulty in moving and completing daily tasks. Those with OA may depend on others for assistance.

According to a Swedish study published in the journal Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, total hip arthroplasty can help improve the quality of life for many older people with OA, and it may even help them live longer.

This study suggests that hip replacement can add years to life and even life to years in the elderly population.

The research team analyzed about 132,000 residents in Sweden, 68 years old on average, who had a total hip replacement between 1999 and 2012.

Additionally, they discovered that there’s a 1 percent survival rate on the patients’ first year after surgery; 3 percent after five years; and 2 percent higher after 10 years.

Although the surgery is not an assurance that one would live longer, it increases the chances of surviving longer and improving the quality of life.

Who can benefit from hip replacement surgery?

Generally, people who suffer from osteoarthritis and have not found any relief from simpler treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, and physical therapy may benefit from hip replacement surgery.

Surgery is often the recommended treatment for end-stage hip joint osteoarthritis.

The board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons at Ozark Orthopaedics are trained in the latest surgical advances for hip replacement surgery. If you would to find out if this surgery is a good option for you, give us a call at (479) 521-2752.