From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

In the past, patients with joint pain and reduced mobility were often counseled to learn to deal with the constant pain, rather than undergo surgery to replace a joint. Younger patients were generally told to wait as long as possible to receive a joint replacement, due to the limited lifespan of joint replacement products. Now, a better understanding of how joints work, coupled with improved products used to replace joints, allows more patients to relieve pain through joint replacement surgery. Less invasive procedures have also expanded patients’ options. Hip resurfacing, rather than total hip replacement, is now an option for younger and more active patients. Patients in their 30s are now seeking joint replacements to relieve pain, and going on to lead active lifestyles. Athletes who have difficulty competing or have had to retire from sports due to injuries now have surgical options to relieve their pain and allow greater mobility. Hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacements are becoming safer, longer-lasting, and more readily available to a greater number of patients.

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