The Impact of Joint Replacement Surgery on Mobility and the Quality of Life in Elderly
Age brings wisdom. But increasing age results in a range of problems as well. Osteoporosis of the knee and hip causes excruciating joint pain resulting from aging is one of them. Replacing these joints can alleviate pain to a significant extent. But every individual is unique, and so is the impact of joint replacement on them. But what is it that typically happens with most elderly patients after undergoing joint replacement?
How does Joint Replacement Surgery Benefit the Elderly?
Let’s look at ways the elderly benefit from joint replacement surgery.
- Reduced Pain: Aging minimizes an individual’s ability to bear the pain. In cases where the pain is unbearable, joint pain could completely halt the elderly’s movements, making them immobile. Here, replacing the joints with artificial ones alleviates the pain significantly.
- Increased Mobility: Replacing the aging joint with artificial ones helps reduce pain and enables the patient to make routine movements. Consequently, it helps enhance the quality of life and restore confidence.
- Increased Joint Strength: Making simple movements helps increase joint strength and simplifies activities like walking, jogging, driving, etc.
- Lowered Risk of Chronic Diseases: Increased pain and the inability to move can heighten the risk of chronic conditions like heart failure, diabetes, etc. But replacing the joints enables movements and helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
What are the Risks and Complications Associated with Joint Replacement in the Elderly?
The risks and complications concerning joint replacement in the elderly may vary from person to person. The type of complications and their degree depend on the person’s age, gender, existing health condition, and the presence of diseases, if any. Surgeons take all the necessary precautions to conduct the operation as safely as possible, with little to no side effects. But in some cases, patients may suffer from the below risks.
- Blood clotting
- Wound infection
- Nerve injury
- Knee stiffness
- Pain
- Transfusion
- Implant problem
What is the Recovery Time for Joint Replacement in the Elderly?
In the case of knee replacement, patients take around 11-12 weeks. Again, the recovery time also would differ from person to person, their age, health condition, and response to the treatment. The recovery begins as soon as the patient gets up from surgery.
Initially, they will likely need a walker or crutches for the first couple of weeks. In about four to five to six weeks, the patient will experience a significant decrease in swelling and increase in mobility. The physical therapist will continue visiting for the next four to six weeks to help increase the range of motion and build muscles around the joint.
If you are seeking expert consultation, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for joint replacement in seniors, look no further than Ranka Hospital, which boasts a team of the finest orthopedic doctors in Pune. Our doctors will be glad to help and provide personalized treatment. Call us at +91 20 2426 1600 to book an appointment.
