Can the elderly and those with many underlying diseases have joint replacement?

My grandmother is 72 years old this year, has underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and mild kidney stones. She has severe knee osteoarthritis, can she have a joint replacement? (Dung Nguyen, Tien Giang )

Reply:

Osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis, is a very common disease in the elderly. Initially, patients will be treated with conservative methods such as medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, etc. However, in cases of severe osteoarthritis that affect daily activities, conservative treatment is ineffective, and joint deformities appear, patients will be indicated for knee replacement surgery.

Elderly patients with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. can completely have knee replacements. In the past, Tam Anh Hospital has successfully replaced joints for many elderly patients, even in cases of nearly 80 years old.

Before surgery, the patient will undergo a general examination and necessary screening tests for the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. If a problem is detected, for example in the cardiovascular system, doctors from the Cardiology Department will participate in the consultation and propose options so that the surgery can proceed smoothly, achieve optimal results, and ensure the patient's safety during and after surgery.

Specifically, the doctor will give instructions on nutrition, exercise, medication... so that the patient can achieve the most stable health condition before surgery; predict risky situations that may arise during surgery to prepare necessary supplies such as blood, medicine, intervention methods... Therefore, elderly patients with underlying diseases can still have joint replacement if these underlying diseases and possible risks during surgery are well controlled.

MSc.MD.CKI Dang Khoa Hoc
Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital System

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