Mayo Clinic Minute: What to know about aging and joint replacements

As people age, their joints change. Sometimes, this can lead to arthritis, causing pain in areas like the knees and hips. Dr. Rafael Sierra, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon, says arthritis and joint replacements are not inevitable. However, conditions like birth defects and structural issues can increase the risk of hip or knee problems that may result in the need for replacement.

Mayo Clinic's Dr. Rafael Sierra wants to set the record straight about aging and joint replacements.

He says it's not aging but anatomy that will predispose people to knee or hip replacements down the road.

Joint replacements today are more successful than ever — thanks to precision robotic surgery.
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