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Knee and hip replace surgery on the rise

Rehab Private Practice Alert, August 24, 2005

The number of Americans undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery has been rapidly rising since 1998, according to a study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

In 2002, about 743,000 Americans went through the procedure, most of whom were 65 or older, though there is also a sharp increase in the surgery among younger patients.

Despite the increase, the AAOS warns it is not for everyone and should be considered as seriously as any other major surgery.

According to the Kansas City Star, patients should always try physical therapy and other extensive treatments before going through with such an invasive procedure. If surgery is the best option, physical therapy should continue after the replacement.

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