Why A Knee Replacement?
Replacing an entire knee sounds like a daunting task. But knee replacements are quite common. The goal is to replace the natural joint with a prosthetic one. The procedure helps treat knee arthritis, which is the wear and tear of the joint, or injury. More than 600,000 replacements happen every year. At the same time, the artificial joints can fail or become worn. This begs the question; how long does a knee replacement last?
Out with the old, in with the new
The knee is a joint where the thigh and shin bones meet. Smooth cartilage covers the bones, while the knee cap and ligaments help with flexibility. Sometimes the soft cartilage and bone become worn out. Friction and a lack of shock absorbers cause severe pain. Using a minimally invasive approach, a surgeon cleans the damaged cartilage. Then, the smooth cartilage and knee cap get replaced by artificial parts.
Successful but temporary?
Knee replacement surgery has a high success rate. Most statistics point to a 90% success rate. Furthermore, the artificial parts should last between 15-20 years. Nothing is permanent, and these joints have a shelf life. However, there are reasons for the knee replacement to become worn. There are some times where the joint becomes worn before the expected timeframe.
Why the knee may be worn out
While doctors expect the joint to last, some factors can create a worn joint. Remember, the surgery is not 100% successful, so there is a risk of a knee replacement failure. Infections, stiffness, and surrounding loss of tissue and muscles can cause the joint to wear down before time.
Worn down and possibly out
Patients and doctors alike expect knee replacements to work and work well. But there are occasions when the replacement fails or reaches a particular shelf life. As mentioned before, sometimes, there are surrounding factors that affect the joint. Other times, the knee joint just becomes worn out after the 15-year timeframe. There are a few symptoms patients will recognize. The most significant sign is pain when walking. The joint will also show signs of swelling due to fluid buildup.
Get more help
Persons who suspect a worn joint should seek help immediately. The doctor will ask about symptoms and assess the knee. Further, x-rays and MRIs will reveal the status of the joint. From there, the doctor will recommend the next step in treatment, which may include revision knee surgery.
Don’t leave it up to chance
Persons with knee replacement expect the knee to hold up for years. After all, this is a synthetic replacement that should last. In most cases, knee replacement lasts over 15 years. However, there are times when the joint becomes worn, similar to the natural joint before. Look for signs of worn joint and speak with a doctor immediately.
Recent Posts
Spinal Cord Neurostimulator: How Long Does It Take For A Trial To Work?
A neurostimulator disrupts pain signals responsible for spinal nerve pain. Some patients are surprised at the quick turnaround time.
Is An SI Joint Injection The Same As A Nerve Block? Sacroiliac Pain
Sacroiliac pain is lower back pain that stems from the SI joint. A doctor may suggest a joint injection, but are these treatments the same?
How A Diet & Exercise Program Can Help Prepare For Cervical Disc Replacement
A cervical disc replacement can relieve chronic neck, shoulder, and arm pain. Can a diet and exercise regimen improve the surgery’s outcome?
What To Know Before Having A Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
A surgeon may recommend posterior lumbar interbody fusion to treat a chronic spinal condition. Here are some facts and tips.
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
