Study: Hip Surgery OK After 80

Hip replacement surgery patients 80 years old and up fare just as well as those 70 and younger, according to results of a recent study headed by Dr. Javad Parvizi, orthopaedic surgeon with the Rothman Institute.

The study shows that patients in the 80-year-old group at the time of surgery had comparable strength and function in their replaced hip as did patients who were 70 and younger at the time of surgery.

Hip replacement surgery has advanced in the past 15 years, resulting in greater outcomes for patients including for those older and active. This is supported by the study’s results.

“People in their 80’s can be confident that they are at no greater risk of complications or surgery failure because of their age,” Parvizi said. “Hip replacement surgery is a viable option that can greatly improve their quality of life.”

More than 250,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed in the United States each year. Though nonsurgical treatment methods are always considered first, hip replacement surgery is often necessary to treat osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, both of which entail the breakdown of cartilage and bone-on-bone pain.

Those who experience constant pain in their hip should be evaluated by an orthopaedic physician. To make an appointment with the Rothman Institute, call (800) 321-9999.