Young Knee Replacement Patients More Likely to Need Revision

Younger knee replacement patients are more likely to require revision surgery within two years of their original procedure than older patients.

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Knee replacement surgery, or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. More patients are choosing TKA at a younger age, and one study predicts TKA surgeries will surge 183 percent by 2030.

Most younger TKA patients do very well, but this age group has a higher rate of knee replacement revision surgery during their lifetime. A group of researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Health Care conducted a study comparing previous TKA and revision TKA surgeries in older and younger patients.

Knee Replacement Revision in Younger Patients

James Keeney, MD, associate professor of orthopedic surgery, reviewed medical records of TKA patients 55 and younger and compared them to records of patients between 60 and 75. Dr. Keeney and his research team found younger patients were twice as likely to require knee replacement revision surgery within two years of their original procedure than older patients. Younger patients were also more likely to get an infection or experience mechanical complications with the new joint.

Knee Replacement Revision and Smoking

Although many factors can cause a joint to fail, Dr. Keeney says one of the most likely culprits is smoking. Past studies found tobacco use increases the risk for infection and wound complications. Dr. Keeney suggests doctors should include smoking cessation programs as part of TKA treatment plans (Medical Xpress).

Schedule a Total Knee Arthroplasty Consultation

Are you considering total knee arthroplasty? Call your orthopedist and schedule a consultation. If you are a smoker, talk with your provider about beginning a smoking cessation program before you have surgery.