Joint replacements worthwhile for elderly, study reports

A new study finds symptoms improved markedly more in elderly patients who had undergone this type of surgery a year previously. That's relative to patients who had not had the procedure.

Osteoarthritis becomes more common as people age. It can cause pain and also restrict mobility and function. Medications and physical therapy often fall short in relieving symptoms in people with severe stages of the disease.

The study found although it often took weeks to recover from the surgery. Those who chose this option tended to experience better outcomes.