Should I delay joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery is a common treatment for severe arthritis. Hip replacement and knee replacement are the most frequently replaced joints. Patients are often told by their doctor to wait as long as possible before having a joint replacement.

However, if the doctor says it's time to have a joint replacement, is there harm in waiting? Do you need to have a joint replacement at that time, or can it wait? Patients are often worried that the situation may worsen to a point that may make treatment even more difficult. Is this true?

Related: To young for joint replacement? | Knee Replacement | Hip Replacement

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