What is the age range for knee replacement surgery?

Knee Replacement is an operation to replace damaged portions of the knee joint. It is one of the most popular orthopedic procedures nowadays. Also, most patients report less or no knee discomfort, improved mobility, and overall better quality of life after the surgery.

Here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know about the surgery, like basics, causes, etc.

Overview of Knee replacement

Knee arthroplasty surgery can restore function and comfort to severely injured knee joints. The operation entails removing damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with a metal alloy, high-grade resins, and a prosthetic joint.

For patients’ age, obesity, exercise levels, knee shape and size, and general health, the doctor gets to choose from various knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques. An orthopedist evaluates your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength to see if a knee replacement is correct for you.

What is the common age for knee replacement?

After 20 years, over 85% of artificial knees are still functional. One of the reasons this surgery is so popular is for durability. Knee replacement surgery is most common in adults between 50 and 80. The average age of the patients is roughly 65 years old.

Who conditions require knee replacement?

1. The most common reason for a knee replacement is because the knee is in excruciating discomfort because of arthritis.

● Osteoarthritis - The most prevalent reason for a knee replacement is osteoarthritis (OA). This ailment can be primary or secondary.
● Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a less common cause of knee replacements, and as a result, the number of knee replacements is decreasing. It is because rheumatoid arthritis therapies have improved.

2. Another most common reason for a knee replacement is discomfort in the knee; a knee replacement is essentially a painkilling procedure. The pain can limit how far you can walk and even prevent you from working. When you stand on the affected leg, it is usually at its worst and most severe at night.

3. Other reasons - Any disorder that damages the cartilage in the knee could necessitate a knee replacement, including:

● Arthritis is seronegative.
● Avascular necrosis
● Infection
● Blood clots in the legs
● Angina pectoris
● Stroke
● Damage to the nerves
● Infection symptoms
● The surgical site is drained.
● The knee becomes red, tight, swells, and painful.

Need help? Talk to Our Orthopedic Surgeon

By consulting Dr. Ajinkya Desale, you can get the most effective orthopedic and joint replacement treatment in India

When should you consider getting a knee replacement?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need surgery:

● swollen and stiff knees
● Even when you're at rest, you're in pain.
● It isn't easy to walk, get up, or climb stairs.
● Medication and counseling alone are insufficient to provide relief.
● Knee cartilage has deteriorated to the point where you are walking "bone on bone," with the bones of the joint grinding against one other.

What is the effect of advancing age on knee replacement outcomes?

When non-surgical treatments fail, total knee arthroplasty is a good option, but it comes with a risk of complications, which is higher as you become older. Compared to younger patients, elderly patients exhibited greater mortality rates, difficulty in recovering fast, and health complications.

Conclusion

Knee replacement is an advanced procedure that improves mobility and eases pain after surgery. If you have extreme knee pain or discomfort, consult a knee expert. Also, if a orthopedic doctor recommends knee surgery, please have it done as quickly as feasible. Therefore, don't wait for the pain to become excruciating after a few years. Hence, always seek medical advice and follow the doctor's instructions.