Can you be too old for Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery? - Bradford S. Waddell, MD

Dr. Bradford S. Waddell addresses the common concern among patients regarding the suitability of undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery based on their age. He emphasizes that advancements in anesthesia, surgical techniques, and the availability of more efficient tools have significantly increased the safety of joint replacement surgeries for older adults. Highlighting the importance of assessing a patient's physiological age rather than chronological age, Dr. Waddell points out that overall health and fitness are more critical determinants for surgery than merely the number of years lived. He illustrates this with examples of successfully conducting surgeries on patients in their 80s and 90s, including a patient scheduled for knee replacement on his 93rd birthday. This shift towards evaluating individual health status, rather than age alone, allows for more personalized and safe surgical planning.
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