Posted on 03/22/2022 2:00:22 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Knee replacement surgery is increasingly common among people over 80 sidelined with knee pain, and the procedure isn't as hazardous for them as often assumed.
That's the main message from a new study of more than 1.7 million seniors who underwent knee replacement surgery.
Octogenarians do have longer hospital stays after knee replacement surgery and are also more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 90 days than patients aged 65 to 79, but the two age groups tend to have similar risks for other complications, the study team found.
Varghese conducted the study at Maimonides Medical Center, in Brooklyn. "Knee replacement surgery carries a very low risk for people aged 80 and older, and they will likely have a substantial, if not complete, reduction of pain after surgery," Varghese said.
For the study, the researchers analyzed medical claims data on more than 1.7 million people aged 65 and older who got a new knee. The investigators compared complication rates among people aged 80 and older to those experienced by patients aged 65 to 79.
Rates of readmission and length of hospital stay were higher and longer among octogenarians, the results showed.
Both age groups had similar risks for medical complications (such as pneumonia and other infections) in the 90 days following their surgery.
But folks aged 80 and up had lower rates of implant-related complications—such as erosion, infection, implant failure and mechanical loosening—than their younger counterparts after two years.
This makes sense, she said: "The younger group of patients may be more active so they have a higher risk of wear and tear on the hardware."
Surgery isn't the only option for these older patients. Other treatments such as weight loss or steroid injections may help, but knee pain typically doesn't get better on its own, Varghese said.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Wonder if shoulder replacement could be the same...my almost 52 year old son is facing that, but they want to wait until he’s in his 60s because they only last 10-15 years...
Osteo. My bad knees are probably my fault. Used to run a lot (up to early-80s) in Converse All-Stars...no padding.
It’s good to hear encouraging words RE knee operations. I will probably eventually do it.
I do have to say...in the knee replacement videos I watched, there were a number of jigs used to stabilize the cutting and sawing. The docs weren’t just “freehanding” it. That’s s good thing! LOL.
Oh yes. Besides the jigs there was rep from the implant manufacturer during surgery documenting the procedure.
Interesting. Think it was a new or improved procedure?
Yes I think the procedure has been improved plus the pain management. The 1st on I had a morphine drip. Ugh I was so nauseous.
The 2nd they did a time release pain injection into my knee....so much better.
My father is 88 and was considering until complications with his cancers (bone, bladder & prostate). His knee doctor had told him he did a knee replacement on a 93 year old.
My hubby will be 84 in June...
In Aug. 10 2021, he had left knee replaced...in hospital over night and one day...came home, had Maryland Home Health care for his rehab...they came to our house...She was fantastic...
On Nov. 10 2021 he had his right knee replaced....again in hospital over night..healed at home and Maryland's Health care came again for his rehab...
Never ran a fever, no infection...up and walking quickly...Pain is gone..He is a Happy Camper...
has no weigh problem is a non smoker, non drinker and eats a healthy diet..
HE DOES HAVE CORNARY HEART PROBLEMS..He had a quad by pass at age 51, then he had a defibrillator implanted in 2011...he is now waiting to get a new battery put in his defibrillator . this will be his second replacement..
He is a Christian and puts his trust in our Lord.. come June we will be married for 61 years.. God is Good...we are both THANKFUL...
ok..just sharing...
Our surgeon suggested we stay away of rehab and or a nursing home...DUE TO COVID..home was a safer place to be...
Check your State to see if they have Home Health Care Service...
The State of Maryland does, and we never saw one charge to us...they told us right away...this Service is provided by the State...
The therapists, hubby had was fantastic...she took photo’s of his wound , sent notes to his Doctor..I think they came twice a week for six weeks...
Don't hesitate...if you need it ...get it done...best wishes to you.
Have you tried boron or eggshell membrane? There have been good outcomes in studies from using both.
Thanks so much. I live by myself so I’m concerned about being home alone. If I didn’t have a dog, it would be be easier. I don’t walk him but he’s always going in the back yard.
we have two dogs...one 9yrs old one 12 yrs. old...I took care of hubby, and I'm now 79...
he made sure to do his PT therapy, I fixed his ice packs, three light meals a day...the only time he needed pain pills was at bed time...sometime during the middle of the night I would give him one more...
If you live near a nursing home, contact them to see if one of their staff is looking for outside jobs, we live near one and many in our Retirement Village use their staff for help cleaning, shopping and nursing care... and be sure to check for services in your community... meals can be fixed for you...delivered for a small fee, some do it for no fees...
we must keep our dogs on a leash at all time when out side, so they were my total responsibility and it kept me busy all the time...I made soup and put in freezer ahead of surgery...was a long Winter...so glad it is now Spring...Thankful we neither had any COVID problems...we only got the two shots, required by hospital for him...NO BOOSTERS SHOTS...this one size fits all with the Biden handlers does not impress us...
I made sure hubby had lots of water, juice and oranges, tangerines, lemon for flavor on foods...I would go to Restaurants and get ready made fresh salads...
Even as we age, it is important to keep active ...busy... and eat as well as we can afford...I kept house visitors limited due to COVID...BUT EVERYTHING WORKED OUT...
WILL keep you in prayer.. take care...
I have not. Will do some research...thank you.
Here are the two posts that cover what you need for boron and osteoarthritis:
https://freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3761669/posts?page=39#39
https://freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3761669/posts?page=41#41
Heck, I want to hire YOU!
Thank you! Bookmarked.
Yep, up and walking out the surgery center same day now.
Bookmark
“You definitely need help for at least the 1st week.”
Ditto...
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