What is the best age for knee replacement if you have persistent knee pain but believe you are still young? Numerous factors, including age, lifestyle, weight, health, and the degree of pain, influence the answer. Younger patients can also benefit from successful knee replacement surgery.
Read this blog to know further.
Does Age Matter with Knee Replacer Surgery?
Your age has an important role as it influences:
- How long will the implant last.
- Your activity level after surgery.
- Recovery time and results.
- Risk of requiring a second (revision) surgery down the road.
What is the ideal age for knee replacement?
The best age to have knee replacement surgery, as per senior and expert orthopedic, is 60-70 years. Because you are active, which can help in recovery, your immune system can hold up the implants and recovery with a healthy lifestyle.
Can You Ever Be Too Young for Knee Replacement?
Yes, but it depends on your situation. People in their 40s and 50s may still need surgery if their knee pain is severe enough to interfere with their everyday activities.
Injections and physical therapy are examples of conservative approaches that have failed.
X-rays and MRIs show severe joint deterioration.
Younger patients may need a revision knee replacement, a more complex and risky procedure, later in life, because artificial knees only last 15 to 20 years.
Even so, implants and surgery have become better. For active patients with rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, or osteoarthritis, age is no longer an insurmountable issue.
Signs That It’s Time for Knee Replacement
Instead of concentrating only on age, consider:
- Whether you still experience pain when you sleep or are at rest.
- Does my knee get swollen and stiff every day?
- Have I stopped doing things I enjoy because of knee pain?
- Has therapy, injections, and medication stopped working?
- Regardless of age, if you said “yes” to the majority of these, it might be time.
How Long Do Knee Implants Last?
The average lifespan of modern implants is 15–20 years. This may result in a future second operation for young patients. The implant may last a lifetime for patients aged 60 and up.
Implant longevity is increasing, even in younger patients, thanks to advancements in modern technology like robotic-assisted knee replacement and improved materials.
Advantages of Knee Replacement at the Right Time:
It is very important and beneficial to have surgery at the right time, like:
- End of constant pain.
- Increased mobility and independence.
- Improved sleep and mood.
- Back to walking, climbing stairs, and light exercise.
- Less need for pain medications.
Risks of Delaying Knee Replacement:
- Reduced mobility and balance.
- Less effective future surgery.
- Muscle wasting.
- Joint deformity.
Early consultation with an orthopedic doctor will enable you to make an appropriate choice according to your life and objectives.
Who Should Not Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery?
- You may not be a suitable candidate if you:
- Have an active infection.
- Are significantly obese (until weight is lost).
- Have uncontrolled chronic diseases (e.g., cardiac disease).
- Are unmotivated to complete physical therapy.
Conclusion:
An ideal age to get a knee replacement is around 60-70 years, but this depends on several other factors like the severity of pain, lifestyle, overall health conditions and choices.
At Royal Cosmetic Surgery, we provide expert orthopedic treatment in Islamabad with personalized treatment plans designed to cater to your requirements and age group. Make an appointment with our joint expert, Dr. Nauman A Malik, now to find out if knee replacement is for you or not.
