Women are about 60% of the 7 million joint replacement surgeries annually.

But often, women elect to have their surgeries at older ages than men do. While there aren’t significant differences in the operation itself, in many ways, the decision to have surgery varies greatly between men and women.

Barriers to decision-making 

The reasons for a joint replacement are the same for male and female patients, says Dr. Elizabeth Dulaney-Cripe, an orthopedic surgeon with Kettering Health. 

Most often, patients choose to have a joint replacement when their arthritis has progressed to the point that pain interferes with their daily lives.

“Men tend to be more assertive with progressing toward surgery,” Dr. Dulaney-Cripe says. “When they get to the point where pain limits their activities, whether work-related, hobby-related or just general daily living, men tend to be more attracted to surgical options. Female patients tend to be more hesitant regarding how surgery will affect their lifestyle and responsibilities.”

This hesitancy leads to women waiting longer to have joint replacement surgery. Dr. Dulaney-Cripe shares that many of her female patients say they want to postpone surgery until after a big life milestone—such as the birth of a grandchild, attending their child’s wedding, or reaching retirement.

More to consider

In general, Dr. Dulaney-Cripe notes that women tend toward reluctance about visiting an orthopedic specialist at all. “I want women to know that just because they come to visit us doesn’t mean they’ve signed up to get a new joint,” she says.

Many treatment options for joint pain can decrease or reduce the need for surgery. Steroid injections, physical therapy, bracing options, shoe inserts, or nerve pain blocks are just a few of the nonsurgical options patients can try.

“I advise women: Take a look at your average week,” says Dr. Dulaney-Cripe. “Consider what changes you

are making because of your pain. Are you taking the elevator instead of the stairs? Can you no longer sit

on the floor with your grandkids? Have you stopped playing tennis? Then ask yourself, ‘Am I OK with these changes?’ If you are, then there’s no need for surgery. But if you’re not OK with these adjustments, then consider having a joint replacement. Our goal is always to give patients better function, less pain, and improved health.”

Easier than expected

As technology continues to expand surgical options, more and more joint replacements can be done on an outpatient basis.

Outpatient joint replacements, where the patient can return home the same day, could be more attractive to younger, active patients.

When women opt for a joint replacement, Dr. Dulaney-Cripe says that her patients are often surprised and excited by how much function they’ve regained. “When the time comes to replace a joint on the other side, I often hear: ‘There’s no way I’m waiting that long again!’”