Some Factors Increase Likelihood of Knee Replacement

Your doctor is the best resource for recommending knee replacement, but certain factors may hasten your need for surgery.

Knee replacement, known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Every year, surgeons perform over 790,000 knee replacements. In the procedure, a surgeon uses metal and plastic to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint.

What affects the timing of knee replacement surgery?

Experts from Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California say several factors influence the need for knee replacement surgery:

1. Age. Most people who get a knee replacement are over 60. Younger people can get a knee replacement, but an active lifestyle may shorten the life of the artificial knee. In many cases, a second replacement surgery is not as successful as the first.
2. Arthritis. Three types of arthritis can affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, makes the cartilage in the knees break down. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovial membrane and leads to stiffness and pain. Arthritis due to injury is known as traumatic arthritis. All three types of arthritis deteriorate knee cartilage, resulting in knee pain and loss of motion.
3. Swelling or severe knee pain. Sometimes, knee pain gets so intense that it interferes with daily activities and even sleep.
4. Knee deformity. Advanced arthritis or injury can cause the knee to be deformed and inhibit walking.
5. Ineffective non-surgical treatments. Over time, treatments like steroid injections, physical therapy and medication are not as effective, and knee replacement surgery is the best option.

Purpose of knee replacement

The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that are damaged and to alleviate knee pain that cannot be controlled by other non-surgical methods. Arthritis or injury can wear away cartilage, and the surface of the knee becomes uneven, eroded and pitted. After the surgeon resurfaces the knee, the patient should experience relief from stiffness, pain and instability. The surgery also should help the body feel more aligned.

Find an orthopedist in your area

You don’t have to live with consistent knee pain. An orthopedist can evaluate your knee and provide customized solutions to help you regain mobility and maintain an active lifestyle. Click here to enter your zip code and locate an orthopedist in your local area.