Podcast - The Bee's Knees

Stories of knee recovery, therapy and life after surgery.

Youth and Knee Replacement

by Erin Rempher, P.T.A.

There are many good reasons impacting the need for younger people to have their knees replaced. According to the Cleveland Clinic’s website, total knee joint implants had an anticipated life of 10 years in the 1970s but in recent years 85% of implants are lasting 25 years (2). So now, a patient in their 50s may get a replacement and it will be sufficient throughout their lifetime, instead of anticipating at least 2 more replacements or revisions. The Arthritis Foundation even cites revisions as being a “pro” when debating whether to wait for a replacement because revisions are becoming easier. The implant can be switched out instead of removing more bone, like during the original surgery. We discuss youth and knee replacement here.

Is it Time for Knee Surgery?

So the question for many is, “Should I just go forward and have the surgery based on my pain level, activity pattern and lifestyle needs, or wait it out? In Part Two of this two part series we examine what activities you can return to after knee replacement surgery and how your expectations for life after surgery should be examined closely before entering an operating room.