More Hip, Knee Replacements Needed For Younger Generation

DANBURY — The parts that move machines eventually wear out and the same goes for the body. As today’s generation of adults adopt a more active lifestyle, the need for hip and knee replacements is arriving earlier.

 “We’re seeing patients come in with worn-out joints as early as their thirties and forties,” said Dr Robert Deveney, an orthopedic surgeon at Danbury Hospital. “This is a trend we expect to continue as a large segment of the population embraces an active lifestyle.”

Currently, about 400,000 hip and knee replacements are performed in the United States annually. An increase in obesity and arthritis has also contributed to a rise in these procedures.

Studies have found:

*Hip replacements increased 37 percent and knee replacements increased 53 percent in 2004 compared with 2000. 

*Hip and knee replacements increased significantly among those aged 45–64.

Anthony Recupero of Southbury has worked as a Trumbull police officer for 27 years. His job demands a high level of fitness; however, beginning in his late 30s, Mr Recupero began to experience persistent pain in his left hip.

“It got to the point where it was painful to stand for long periods of time,” he said. “I really began to worry about the impact this would have on my job if I didn’t take action.”

 In 2001, at the age of 44, Mr Recupero consulted Dr Deveney. He recommended a total hip replacement.

“The most common type of hip arthritis we see is called osteoarthritis. It’s often referred to as ‘wear-and-tear’ arthritis. Given Anthony’s physically active job, it’s not surprising that he would present with this problem,” said Dr Deveney.

The replacement was successful in soothing Mr Recupero’s pain.

A few years after having a total hip replacement on his left side, his painful problem surfaced on the right side.

“The pain would come and go throughout the day in different areas. Eventually, arthritis was moving up my back too,” said Mr Recupero.

In March 2009, he returned to Dr Deveney and had hip resurfacing surgery performed on his right side.

“Hip resurfacing is an alternative to standard hip replacement surgery which preserves bone in the femur,” said Dr Deveney. “It’s a good option for younger patients such as Anthony because the preserved bone allows for a continued active lifestyle. It also makes it easier to perform any potential revision surgeries in the future.”

Within three months of his hip replacement surgery, Officer Recupero was back on the job and has since been promoted to sergeant.

“I’m a lot quicker on my feet these days,” said Sgt Recupero. “I have a demanding job that requires a lot of physical training. Now I’m able to fulfill my duties without constant pain and worry.”

Additionally, he has resumed the other activities he enjoys, including hunting, fishing, and gardening. His new hips also allow him to keep up with his two sons.

Danbury Hospital Center for Advanced Orthopedic and Spine Care remains one of the few facilities in the state to offer surgical treatment of spinal deformities, including adolescent scoliosis. A team of board-certified orthopedic specialists have adopted proven, minimally invasive procedures for orthopedic surgery, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and a higher level of accuracy.

The center continues to be a leader in clinical outcomes for joint replacement and surgical procedures of the spine.

For more information, visit www.danburyhospital.org.