Mercy Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Phil Neubauer Addresses Hip and Knee Replacements On "The Woman's Doctor"

It was once considered a difficult procedure, but now, surgeons in the U.S. replace more than 1 million hips and knees each year.

Studies show joint replacement can relieve pain and increase mobility in about 90 percent of patients.

According to Mercy orthopedic surgeon Dr. Phil Neubauer of Orthopedics & Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center, patients come to him when they're in pain and they can't do the things they want to do. Dr. Neubauer noted that the surgery can give a patient 20 to 25 more years of mobility, but stresses it's not a surgery for everyone.

"It's not about age, it's about health," Neubauer said. "If you're a healthy person and an active person, you are an excellent candidate for hip or knee replacement."

Dr. Neubauer added that a patient needs time to recover. Healing can take a long time and the process can have work and activity limitations. 

To view Dr. Neubauer’s interview on WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor" regarding hip and knee replacement surgery, click here.