New hip at 90...?

[CosyBungalow]

My 90yr old mum has Osteoporosis. She's been dealing with hip pain for quite a few years. With the Osteoporosis diagnosis came an appt with an Orthopedic Surgeon, who said he would be happy to do a hip replacement - the wait time is approx 10mths.
She lives alone, in a bungalow, with me close by. She is in good health, other than the Osteoporosis, and has no cognitive concerns.
She's concerned about the recovery, and if she would actually benefit long term from having a hip replacement.
We dont know anyone who's had a new hip, so no one really we can ask about recovery.

My husband’s great aunt had her hip replaced recently, she’s 92.

It has been fantastic for her. She couldn’t walk unassisted before, and is now happily mobile again.

My dm had a heart op at 87 and sailed through it. We were concerned she wouldn't cope with the op, but she was otherwise healthy so the surgeon was happy to go ahead.

It is important to understand that recovery will require some effort though, not just sitting around.

A family member works in orthopaedic theatres and 90 year olds having hip replacements isn’t unusual. If their quality of life and their health is otherwise good, it gives them a new lease of life

@Greybeardy thank you for taking the time to give insight from your perspective - she did have a GA for a full hysterectomy aged 86. She had a couple of days with some vomiting, but was able to do the Enoxaparin injections herself, once at home....
The consultant didnt mention a spinal block - maybe something to ask about when we go back in 6 weeks

She would definitely put in the effort for recovery - i would describe her as being fiercely independent (although my brain might like to say stubborn) - and she would definitely want to be back to the best she can be.
She had a rotator cuff tear a couple of years ago, and was fastidious about doing the physio exercises she was given - so I think she will do equally as well working towards this recovery. She lives next door but one to me, and I work part time, so there will be plenty of time to support and help her.

A routine hip replacement is very different from an emergency procedure after a fall for various reasons. Many elderly who have surgery after falling are already frail, the trauma of a fall plays a big factor with post op recovery and confidence.

I totally agree with this! The difference between hot (trauma) and cold (planned) is huge. Also agree in asking about an epidural. My DM had hers done after a dreadful fall but still had an epidural rather than GA.

It’ll be up to the anaesthetist if this goes ahead OP regardless if the surgeon advises it.

My dad had a hip replacement in his early 80s, so slightly younger than your mum, under a local. All was fine and the pain went immediately.

My dm had a 3 hour operation just last week on a broken femur and displaced hip replacement hip. She’s 89. Obviously it was an emergency after a fall so different considerations but they don’t offer it to everyone I believe. Doctors and anaesthetists will do thorough assessments.

The bit to be aware of is the long recovery afterwards and the care she’ll need.

It doesnt need to be anaesthetic, my MIL had hers replaced using a spinal block. She was in her 80s

Spinal block is a form of regional anaesthetic!

You know what i mean, she was concious throughout the whole procedure.

My nan is 98 in a month
She had hers done last summer she lives alone i go in 3 mornings week to do shopping take her to lunch ect.
She still uses a walker but is no longer in pain no longer has falls is fit and well.
She had a little post op rehab in a care setting and then strong care for a week or too but never needed them.
Her advice wouod be go for it without doubt

My grandma had one in her early 90s, and it was the right thing for her, it helped her keep her mobility right up till the end of her life (late 90s). As long as the anaesthetist is happy, I'd go for it - she could have another decade of pain if she doesn't do it now.

Just make sure she does her physio and rehab exercises religiously!

Hip recovery is significantly easier than say, knee surgery. My mum had her hip replaced and that was a doddle - a replacement knee was another matter entirely and she was never pain free again following that.

If it will significantly improve her quality of life and can be done under epidural as opposed to general, I’d say it was a good idea.

It sounds like your mum potentially has the potential for her quality of life to be improved by this surgery. As has been well covered already, it’s unlikely that a GA would be the anaesthetic of choice and a spinal/epidural would carry fewer of the risks associated with anaesthetics in more elderly people. The risks associated with infection and the initial reduced mobility aren’t to be ignored, but from what you’ve said the benefits to additional mobile years for your mum may well outweigh these

I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned but look into pre-hab ie physio to do before her surgery so she is in the best position muscle wise for a good recovery. There is good evidence that it improves outcomes but not all places have the resources to offer it so may need to see a physio privately.

My aunt is 90 and had one about 6 months ago.
She was 88/89 ish when she first went to the GP with symptoms and she was only offered physiotherapy despite it being clear she needed a hip replacement. She's in good health so there was no reason for the NHS not to offer her one.
She decided to get referred privately and within a few weeks underwent the op at a cost of 20k.
She had a week or 2 of recovery and now a few months on is no longer in pain and no problems with mobility.

Don't know if that helps? I think if they're happy to perform the op then she should be fine but nothing is guaranteed.

My FIL had both his done (separately a few months apart) aged 87, spinal anaesthesia. Totally successful, he could barely walk before, now he's out dogwalking, has returned his blue badge, still living independently in a normal house age 89 now.

My step dad had his done as planned surgery aged 92. He was anxious but fit and in good health. The op went really well and he was out of hospital the following day. He worked hard at the physio and is delighted with the outcome. I’m pretty certain he had a spinal block.

It will all be done to the individual. My Nan fell and broke her hip at 105. Made it through the surgery and a full recovery and was able to use the stairs. During her pre operation assessment, it was commented on what good physical shape she was in.

My grandfather fell at age 98 and they operated him. He was living independently with his wife. Unfortunately he never walked again and was in wheelchair. Then he just died just like that six months after operation.

Knee replacements are more complex than hips so more prone to complications. DM has had both and recovered much more quickly from he hip operation even though she was 10 years older. She also had an epidural which worked well.

At 98 though could well have been nothing to do with the operation? I don’t think any of that means don’t have the operation.