Orthopedic Surgery in Elderly Patients: Past, Present, and Future

Dear Colleagues,

In orthopedic surgery, the elderly patient represents a great challenge for the surgeon in an operating room. In addition to complications related to various factors, such as patient age, general health status, poor bone quality, sarcopenia, and decreased mobility, the number of older patients is steadily increasing. The medical comorbidities and perioperative risks in elderly patients become more complex and challenging in orthopedic co-management.

Nevertheless, total hip and knee joint replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures in the field of orthopedic surgery. The number of joint replacements is increasing year by year; however, the problem of increasing numbers of revision surgeries due to implant loosening, periprosthetic fractures or infections, and implant-related failures (e.g., wear) remains a great challenge for the surgeon and the orthogeriatric team.

Based on the current literature, the orthopedic treatment of elderly patients is expected to have a strong impact on the economic burden of the public healthcare system. Therefore, an organized, coordinated, and multidisciplinary approach to the perioperative management of these patients will result in fewer complications, improved outcomes, and reduced mortality, disability, and cost of care.

All in all, orthopedic surgery in elderly patients will remain challenging and demanding for the entire orthopedic team. On this account, we are very pleased to announce a Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine entitled “Orthopedic Surgery in Elderly Patients: Past, Present, and Future”. 

Dr. Dietmar Dammerer
Guest Editor

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