Hip Replacement Surgery in the Elderly
Hip fractures most commonly occur in the elderly, and one of the most common procedures used to fix a hip fracture is hip replacement surgery. Age is one of the largest factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding on the proper course of action.
What is Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement surgery involves replacing both ends of the damaged hip joint by placing a metal ball on top of the femur and lining the pelvic bone with a metal shell and a plastic coating.
Significance
The hip joint takes more stress than any other joint in the body and is prone to wear and tear injuries such as fractures. The more wear and tear that a joint accumulates, the more likely an injury is.
Elderly Risks
Elderly patients choosing to undergo hip replacement surgery are more prone, due to their advanced age, to blood clots, heart attacks, and confusion immediately following the surgery.
Hip Replacement over Hip Reconstruction
In the elderly, hip replacement surgery is usually preferred over hip reconstruction surgery, because the success rates are higher and there will be less wear and tear placed on the hip joint.
Breathing
Many doctors will have their elderly patients practice proper breathing techniques prior to surgery to help them ward off chest congestion due to reduced activity post-surgery.
Tags: replacement surgery, wear tear, Replacement Surgery Elderly, Surgery Elderly