The age bracket of 50 to 70 years is the most common age group for knee replacement patients. Older patients above the age of 70 may also benefit immensely from the mobility and comfort offered by a prosthesis.
Doctors do sometimes recommend that people under age 60 wait to undergo a knee replacement procedure, because these artificial joints typically last only about 15 to 20 years. If someone younger gets the procedure, it's likely that the joint will need to be replaced again down the line.
What are the risks of delaying knee replacement surgery? Simply put, the longer you wait to get a knee replacement, the more wear and tear you put on your knees – and the longer you live with increasing pain, stiffness or mobility issues.
Patients with symptoms suggesting disease in more than one knee compartment, patients with inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), very heavy patients, patients with incompetent ligaments, patients with a lot of knee deformity, and patients with poor quality bone (i.e., osteoporosis) are not well served ...
Most patients can start walking while still in the hospital. Walking helps deliver important nutrients to your knee to help you heal and recover. You can expect to use a walker for the first couple of weeks. Most patients can walk on their own roughly four to eight weeks after knee replacement.
The majority of patients expect to be able to kneel after TKR,2,4,5 however, these expectations are frequently not met,1,6 with between 50% and 80% of patients reporting that they have difficulty kneeling or do not kneel in the months and years after TKR.
Total knee replacement
The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours: Your surgeon makes a cut down the front of your knee to expose your kneecap. This is then moved to the side so the surgeon can get to the knee joint behind it. The damaged ends of your thigh bone and shin bone are cut away.
Many patients ask this question when considering TKR and the consensus is that the spring and early fall are the best seasons. You'll want to wear as little clothing as possible during your recovery because it makes cleaning the wound and moving around easier.
Recovery is slow
While it's different for everyone and depends on the type of knee surgery you've had, many people are surprised by how long it takes to recover. The time it takes to start doing simple tasks around the home, get back to work and importantly bending your new and improved knee may catch you by surprise.
Unfortunately, knee replacement surgery does not cure arthritis. Although it can correct the damage caused by arthritis and relieve the pain associated with the condition, it cannot make the arthritis go away.
As knee arthritis progresses, the knee becomes much looser and more unstable. In some cases, this is mild. In other cases, it is substantial enough that cause the patient to fall. Patients who have bone-on-bone arthritis and are starting to fall because of it should strongly consider surgery.
About 90% of Knee Replacements Last 10 Years and 80% Last 20 Years. Knee replacement surgery has an extremely high success rate. Patients tend to be very good at adhering to their recommended exercises, stretches, and physical therapy recommendations in order to ensure longevity of the new knee joint.
Pain is to be expected after the initial knee replacement, but it should not be severe. The first few days after surgery should include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level.
Minimally invasive total knee replacement uses a smaller incision than a traditional knee replacement, so it may lead to less pain and decreased recovery time.
Knee Stiffness
One of the most common problems people experience after knee replacement is a stiff knee joint. 1 This can cause difficulty with activities that require a lot of bending, including going down stairs, sitting in a chair, or getting out of a car.
The AAOS estimates that over 90 percent of people who get knee replacements have less knee pain and feel like their overall quality of life has improved.
Walking. Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg.
The first walk after surgery occurs within hours of waking from the procedure. This first walk will involve assistance from nurses and a walking device and may only be from your medical bed to the bathroom. During your stay in the hospital, the medical staff will focus on: Pain management.
TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.
Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.
Performing movements or exercises that are too intense can increase the chances of loosening or fracturing the bones around the implant. Pushing too much can also lead to increased pain and swelling around the knee, slowing down the rehabilitation process and making it more difficult to exercise.
Cold temperatures may cause pain in a significant number of patients with orthopedic implants.
Crossing your legs
Shortly after your total knee replacement, it is not recommended that you cross your legs. This is most likely due to the lack of range in your knee to be able to cross your legs. If you have ever seen someone sitting cross legged, you know how much their knee needs to bend.