Patients in their 80s can benefit from knee-replacement surgery, once thought too risky for the very elderly. In a study presented at the 2009 annual meeeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in February, researchers from Singapore reviewed data from 128 patients over age 80 who underwent knee replacement between 1998 and 2006. After assessing measurements for pain, social functioning, vitality, and physical functioning, researchers found all scores had risen significatnly during the postoperative period. The improvement in pain and function of the elderly patients was termed "remarkable" as early as six months and showed long-lasting improvement after a two-year followup.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber.
Sign in
