Joint replacements are on the rise and becoming a standard procedure, thanks to medical and technological advancements. Baby boomers are proving to be a driving force behind this uptick. Why are boomers choosing joint replacement? What are the risks?

In the past, most joint replacements were performed on patients over 65 years old. But today, the age is skewing younger, as more people in their 50s are choosing to have a joint replaced, most commonly the knee or hip. Baby boomers were responsible for about 40% of all knee and hip replacements in the last few years; in the past 10 years, knee replacements have tripled among baby boomers.

So why are joint replacements becoming increasingly common? The biggest two factors may go hand in hand.

For one thing, the procedures have become safer and less invasive, resulting in a quicker and better recovery. Thanks to technology, more durable materials are being utilized which result in better range of motion and longevity of the joint.

Secondly, baby boomers, more so than older generations before them, have embraced aging with a zest to keep up an active lifestyle. Because of the advancements around the procedure, some people are choosing to undergo joint replacements at a younger age. Rather than wait until the pain is unbearable or the mobility is completely restricted, a patient will opt for a joint replacement so they can get back to the activities they love, such as golfing, skiing, and biking.

Despite advancements, joint replacements are still a surgical procedure, and surgical procedures always present some risk. The most serious risks are post-operative infections and blood clots. A patient may be at higher risk for these problems if he has certain pre-existing conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or Rheumatic arthritis. There are also other risks like nerve damage, scar tissue or the new joint not working properly.

And of course, there is always a risk of faulty surgical technique or something going wrong that shouldn't. If a patient experiences a problem during or after a procedure and suspects malpractice, he may want to get a second opinion and legal guidance. Medical malpractice cases require a medical expert, so lawyers will often consult with an orthopedic surgery expert witness who can provide case reviews, depositions and testimonies in a neutral and unbiased manner.

Even if the procedure goes perfectly, patients will still experience some stiffness, swelling, bruising and pain during the recovery process. Nowadays, it's common for patients to recover at home, not in a hospital, and recovery times overall are shorter than in the past. Depending on the type of joint replacement, patients won't be able to drive for at least several weeks and can expect to resume normal activities as early as six weeks after the procedure.

Being well-informed about the procedure itself, the risks it carries and having proper recovery expectations can help one decide if a joint replacement is the way to go. Many times, it's a necessity, but boomers are setting a trend for opting to undergo joint replacements in order to maintain their active lifestyles.