In this episode of AAHKS Amplified, our host Michael Blankstein, MD, MSc, FRCSC sat down with Amit Atrey, MD, MSc and Daniel J. Berry, MD to answer the number one question most surgeons hear “how long will my implant last for?” In today’s world, having access to medical information online has prompted more patients to ask their surgeon this. Many patients are concerned that having a knee replacement early will drastically increases their need for a revision in the future. They’ve heard the saying “the later, the better” as it relates to the longevity of knee replacements. In the past, it was common for patients to need a revision and for various reasons such as infection, loosening of the actual implant and developing a facture around the implant. But with modern advancements, many of the factors that call for a revision are now less likely to happen.  

Our guests share their experiences with patients who have this concern and how they advise them. Although this is a very common question, the truth is, lots of advancements have been made to knee implants in respect to how long they’ll last. The most effective thing done to extend the life of knee implants in the recent years is improving the quality of the plastic. Surgeons are now seeing 92% of knee implants lasting beyond 15 years just by improving the quality of the plastic.

For more information on how our guests advise their patients who are concerned about the longevity of an implant, then tune in for the full recording. Don’t forget to subscribe and thanks for listening to AAHKS Amplified!

In This Episode:
Amit Atrey, MD, MSc
Daniel J. Berry, MD
Michael Blankstein, MD, MSc, FRCSC