Information for Medical Professionals

Hip arthroplasty being performed on 'younger patients'

Hip arthroplasty is being performed on younger patients as people come to expect better mobility, it has been claimed.

According to orthopaedic surgeon and hip and knee specialist Dr Stuart Smith, the procedure is now seen as a viable option for much younger people and can offer good outcomes.

Speaking to the Tennessean.com, Dr Smith said: "Instead of doing joint replacements in older, sedentary populations, they are being done in younger, more active groups."

"People today in general depend on a higher functioning body than in years past," he added.

His comments follow on from recent research by the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, which stated that the demographic to undergo the fastest growth with regard to joint replacement surgery will be the 44 to 54-year old group.

Dr Smith also noted that modern joint replacements last far longer than they used to and can continue working perfectly for between 25 and 30 years.

Last year, Biomet UK's research manager, Dr Imran Khan, said the industry is aware of the changing demographics of implant use and is adapting to this by focusing on producing joint replacement components with greater longevity.

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