Knee replacement. How did you know when it was time?

Do it

When it starts to effect the quality of your life.

Technology has come very far in recent years and the recovery isn’t what it used to be.

I have lots of patients say they wish they would have done it sooner.

They used to only last ~10 years, but with newer technology and materials they are lasting for a while longer now.

But when it starts to effect the quality of life, it is time to giver more serious consideration.

I know an ex offensive lineman that has had both? replaced. He says he should have done it earlier. He's in his 50s when he had it replaced. My grandmother couldn't handle three stairs in her house until she got a hip replaced in the 90s? First hip lasted ten years. Second one lasted over 15, and could probably be dug up and used in someone else for another 10 years.

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How did you know when it was time?

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As said earlier, you know it's time when it effects your quality of life. If your knee(s) are limiting your physical activity than you have a big problem. Decreased activity will lead to increased weight and decreased metabolism. Which in turn will lead to greater knee degradation.

Knee replacements last roughly 20 years. But, the technology is always advancing. If you get a revision in 20 years, at 75, then that should last you until your 95. It will probably last longer if you take care of yourself, plus advancements in the tech could make it so your revision (if you get one) last 30+ years.

Most knee replacements have great outcomes. The first week you will feel like you made a mistake. But suck it up and do what your therapist tells you. Getting functional range of motion, most importantly full extension, is the most important thing for rehab.

My Dad was getting injections. The Dr said that once they stop working have the surgery. He still hasn't had it but we are battling other wars right now.