Orthopaedic Surgery: What Seniors Need to Know

From hitting the links and perfecting the garden to keeping up with the kids and grandkids, the life you love means staying on the move. Joint aches, back pain, knee instability, and other issues make movement hard, painful, and sometimes impossible.

As we age, our bones and joints undergo natural wear and tear, leading to conditions such as arthritis, fractures, or joint deformities. Orthopaedic surgery plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for seniors living with various musculoskeletal conditions. Experienced orthopaedic surgeons offer effective solutions to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

Surgery can be daunting, and every patient and their doctor want to avoid complications. Patients may delay surgery long enough that their conditions worsen, and months of reduced mobility can lead to years of limitations. Sometimes, seniors avoid surgery altogether due simply to their age bracket. In reality, every patient is different, and most active, healthy patients have successful surgeries and recoveries without complications. Additionally, there are many ways patients can reduce complication risks, boost their recovery, and benefit from treatment earlier for better long-term health.

With the progression of technology and medical approaches, surgical options have become more abundant and convenient for patients. The Advanced Center for Surgery, our ambulatory surgery center (ASC), is one of those improvements. Unlike your typical surgery facilities like hospitals, an ASC offers surgeries with same-day discharge to home. While ASCs may not be for every patient including individuals who are considered higher risk, healthy patients between the ages of 75 to 80 can also undergo same-day orthopaedic procedures at an ASC.

Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery

Consultation and Evaluation: Seniors should consult experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Thorough evaluations, including medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, help in creating personalized treatment plans.

Prehabilitation: The goal of prehabilitation is to improve a patient's health and well-being before a surgical procedure. Engaging in prehabilitation exercises, guided by physical therapists, strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances overall fitness. Prehabilitation can speed up postsurgical recovery. This includes walking, core strengthening, and a focus on nutrition, such as higher protein intake and drinking plenty of fluids.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients and protein promotes healing. Seniors should quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce surgical risks and enhance recovery.

Medical Optimization: Seniors should undergo thorough medical evaluations to optimize their overall health before surgery. Management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension is crucial to minimize surgical risks.

Preparing for Recovery

Before surgery, there are many preparations you can make to set yourself up for a successful, safe recovery. These include:

• Modifying living spaces so that all the supplies for your daily needs are available nearby, preferably on the same floor of your home so you can avoid stairs and extra doorways where possible.
• Removing rugs, cords, and other tripping hazards as well as limiting furniture in your immediate area during recovery.
• Ensuring pets are trained to avoid getting in your way.
• Installing grab bars and shower seating in your bathroom.
• Having an easy wardrobe ready that won’t interfere with bandages/dressings. Stretchy, loose clothing with zippers makes getting dressed simple and safe.
• Preparing meals, signing up for food delivery services, or purchasing frozen meals to make nutrition easier.

After surgery, maintaining good nutrition as well as proper rest, pain management, and modified exercise will help you throughout recovery. You should also keep the following in mind:

• Postsurgical Care: Everyone must follow the postsurgical care instructions provided by the healthcare team. This includes wound care, pain management, and medication adherence.
• Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy sessions accelerates recovery by enhancing mobility, strength, and flexibility. Regular therapy sessions are essential for achieving optimal results.
• Emotional Support: Emotional well-being is vital for recovery. Seniors should seek support from family, friends, or therapists to cope with the emotional challenges associated with surgery and rehabilitation.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with the orthopaedic surgeon are essential to monitor progress, address concerns, and make necessary adjustments to the recovery plan.

Why Seniors Might Need Orthopaedic Surgery

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common in seniors, causing joint pain and stiffness. Orthopaedic surgery, such as joint replacement, can provide relief by replacing damaged joints with prosthetics.

Fractures: Seniors are more susceptible to fractures because they are more likely to have porous bones. Orthopaedic surgeries like fracture fixation help stabilize broken bones, promote healing, and restore functionality.

Degenerative Spine Conditions: Conditions like degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can lead to chronic back pain. Orthopaedic procedures such as spinal fusion can alleviate pain and improve spinal stability.

Joint Deformities: Conditions like scoliosis can cause spinal deformities, affecting posture and mobility. Orthopaedic procedures can correct these deformities, enhancing mobility and reducing discomfort.

Orthopaedic surgery can significantly improve quality of life by addressing musculoskeletal issues and enhancing mobility. Proper preparation, including prehabilitation and mitigating risks, along with comprehensive postsurgical care play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful outcome.

By following these guidelines and collaborating closely with healthcare professionals, seniors can undergo orthopaedic surgery with confidence, paving the way for a healthier and more active lifestyle to enjoy for years to come.

At Vero Orthopaedics, we are here to make sure you get to keep doing all the things you love. Our team of specialized experts and staff will back you every step of the way, ensuring you have all the information and support you need to heal, recover, and stay active.

If you are ready to move forward past pain, our experts are here for you. Please schedule an appointment online or call (772) 569-2330.

Original article by Anthony Romeo can be found here.