Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed today. It is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly reduce or eliminate knee pain, increase mobility, and improve the overall quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery involves cutting the damaged bone and cartilage from your shinbone, thighbone, and kneecap and replacing it with a prosthesis – an artificial joint made of metals, ceramics, or high-grade plastics and polymers.
Whether you have just begun exploring treatment options for your knee problem or have already decided to undergo knee arthroplasty, you may have many concerns – one of which is the optimal age for knee arthroplasty. Let’s talk about the optimal age to undergo knee arthroplasty, what other factors can determine your suitability for this procedure, and where you can go in Palm Beaches for an outstanding knee replacement.
What is the Optimal Age to Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery?
In the United States, currently, the average age to undergo knee arthroplasty is around 65 years old. Mostly knee replacement surgery is performed in elders with severe arthritis, while those under the age of 50 are considered young and are asked to wait until the age of 65. This is because the artificial joints used during knee replacement surgeries last only about 15 to 20 years. Another major reason younger people are advised nonsurgical treatments rather than surgical treatment is that if they get knee arthroplasty, the chances are high that their artificial joint may need to be replaced again down the lines as the implants can wear out over time. A study to determine the optimal age for total knee replacement also documented that the best age to get knee arthroplasty is the early 70s.
However, since injuries can come unannounced, there is no hard and fast rule about the age limit for arthroplasty. Even the younger people, whose problem is so severe that waiting too long can further deteriorate their knee joint, can also undergo knee arthroplasty without any problem.
It’s worth noting that patients under the age of 50 are the fastest-growing group of people with knee problem who have knee arthroplasty and has reported satisfactory results of the surgery. So, talk to your orthopedic doctor to know the risks and benefits of knee arthroplasty for your age.
Other Factors to Consider
Besides age, your orthopedic doctor will take into account many factors before deciding on your need for surgery. Some of the factors are:
- You experience knee pain even at rest.
- Your knee pain and stiffness have limited your ability to do daily activities like walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of a chair, etc.
- You have a severe deformity of the knee joint.
- Your knee joint has completely worn out due to degenerative joint disease like arthritis.
- Simpler, nonsurgical treatments like medications, injections, and physical therapy have not provided you satisfactory results.
No matter what age you are, if you have all the factors that warrant your need for knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic doctor will advise you on knee replacement. Also, if you are young, you will be advised not to do strenuous activities after knee replacement surgery to increase the life expectancy of the implant.
Knee Replacement Surgery Near Me in Palm Beaches
At Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our board-certified joint replacement surgeons have been performing joint replacement surgeries for years. They will do a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for knee replacement. They are highly dedicated to ensuring a successful outcome of your surgery and have helped countless patients get back to their pain-free lives faster. At our facility, we also offer physical therapy to save you the time, money, and hassle to find a physical therapy center.
To schedule your appointment with our knee replacement surgeons, call us today at (561) 733-5888 or fill out our appointment request form.
We look forward to helping you!
