The cost of knee and hip replacement surgeries is on the rise, particularly among members under the age of 65. That was a key takeaway from a recent Health of America report from the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Treatment for all orthopedic pain conditions — including pain in the muscles, bones and joints — was more than 14 percent of the overall health care spending for commercially insured adult BlueCross BlueShield members. An increase in the number of procedures is the main cost driver with the number of procedures up across most age groups.

Planned orthopedic surgeries are becoming increasingly common among Americans aged 35 to 64, with the largest increases for knee and hip procedures among individuals ages 55 to 64. It is worthwhile to note that the procedures also grew among younger age groups as well. 

This is a trend that the health care industry will need to keep a close eye on as generational expectations accelerate this growth. It means that a younger generation is pursuing better and more health care options to improve their quality of life.

What we do not know is whether this will mean better outcomes overall. Having these procedures at a younger age supports an active lifestyle, which is encouraged, but does it mean that later on they will need a second procedure? Is this a bellwether for expectations on interventions for restorative health?

The question is whether the health care industry will see this kind of growth in other areas and what does it mean.