Endoprosthetics, joint replacement

Many patients are still trying to postpone the implantation of an artificial joint for as long as possible. However, the advice to “wait as long as possible” is not always right. The implants of today are made of considerably improved materials, and refined bone-saving surgical procedures are conducive to successful joint replacement also for younger patients. This dramatically improves the quality-of-life of affected patients, who have often been suffering from constant joint pain for years. Mobility, physical capacity and even sports become possible again. However, with respect to 200,000 implanted artificial hip joints and approx. 150,000 knee joints annually, it is important to know that each patient requires a customised implant.
Today it is fair to say that also younger patients should carefully deliberate the advantages of hip, knee or shoulder joint replacement (web link) in terms of regaining substantial quality-of-life, in consultation with a physician of choice. Considering today’s materials and highly bone-saving techniques, there is no reason to be afraid of artificial joint replacement.