Joint replacement not just for the old
One of the unfortunate side effects of sports is the wear and tear on the joints. This seems to be more true for girl athletes than boys. For some this could mean hip or knee replacement surgery by the time they are 30. (see Michael Sokolove’s article on injuries suffered by girl athletes). An alternative to hip replacement is hip resurfacing, a less invasive procedure. Since it’s necessary to have strong bones for this type of procedure, this is more of an option for the young (under 50). Alternately, the average age for hip replacement is 68. See AARP bulletin.
While not young, and not old, and certainly no athlete, I have begun suffering from first hip pain, and lately knee pain. The injury came from over use, and even though the pain is no where near what it was when I first injured my hip, it resurfaces when I put too much stress on it. Of course I am in denial and am determined to banish all trace of injury through sheer will power. Like many baby boomers, I refuse to go gently into the good night.
