According to the American Orthopedic Association, seniors who wait longer to have hip surgery tend to have worse outcomes.

Orthopedic Surgeon John Kagan explains that new research suggests seniors who wait longer to have hip surgery are more prone to develop additional health problems. But it’s also common for someone to wait to have reconstructive surgery until the everyday difficulties of getting around just become too unbearable. “What we find sometimes is if the patient wait too long they have some other medical event and it actually precludes them from having the reconstructive surgery.”

Dr. Kagan says that delay can result in longer hospital stays, and the chance of being less functional after recovery. although, there are some valid medical reasons to delay surgery for some seniors “What we typically see are conditions that involve the heart”

When left untreated, a bad hip will continue to deteriorate, and even fracture. some major risks for a fracturing a hip are osteoporosis and lack of exercise. Dr. Kagan also says, “We advise patients now that if they have significant problems in the joint that it is probably a better idea to fix it then to wait.

Doctors say seniors who were active before surgery can expect a faster recovery time, so it’s important to not wait until you’re forced to use a walker before seeking medical advice.

Doctors advise that when seniors lead an active lifestyle ,it not only helps to keep the outside looking better but keeps those joints on the inside from deteriorating.