Do you know that people who undergo knee replacement surgery at a very young age are likely to face problems in the future? Yes, that’s true! Most patients who opt for this surgery are in their 60s or 70s. However, knee replacement surgery has no definitive age or weight restrictions.
People between the ages of 40 to 50 might go through partial knee replacement surgery. In this surgery, orthopedics put the artificial joint, which might require redoing after or within 5 to 10 years. Proficient orthopedic surgeons, like Dr. Derek L. Hill, can help you with knee replacement surgery, even at a young age.
If you are thinking of undergoing knee replacement surgery, read this guide to know when is the right time for your knee replacement and what knee replacement is.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement is a surgical process that is performed under the supervision of highly skilled orthopedics to fix injured knee joints or damage caused by arthritis. In this procedure, the surgeon uses plastic parts to form the knee joint.
Different types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Let’s discuss them below:
Arthritis of the Knee Joint
Factually, arthritis of the knee joint itself is one of the most painful diseases or conditions one can experience. In this condition, there is no chance of improvement – it can only get worse. Most of all, there is no cure for knee arthritis other than knee replacement – be it partial or full knee replacement.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it mostly occurs in elderly patients. In this condition, the articular cartilage breaks down, causing knee inflammation.
Gout
It is inflammatory arthritis that may lead to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the knee joint. You may have heard of uric acid crystals by the name monosodium urate crystals
Reactive Arthritis
This arthritis usually harms the synovial tissue of the knee and is caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
What is the Right Time for Knee Surgery?
Do your knees ache when you stand up, jump, walk upstairs, hike, or when lay down on the bed? If yes, then this is the time you need to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Although opting for knee replacement surgery is the last recommended option one can take when there is no other option you are left with. There are two types of knee replacement surgeries designed according to age:
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is designed for patients below age 45 and younger to get their knees replaced fully. However, picking up this major surgery is the last recommended option for people younger than age 45.
Full Knee Replacement
The age between 50 to 70 years is prone to full knee replacement surgery. Even older patients of more than the age of 70 may also benefit greatly from the comfort presented by the prosthesis.
Summing Up
Arthritis of the knee joint may harm your physical and mental health if not treated timely. In case you are going through any of the types of knee arthritis mentioned above, contact Dr. Hill – a professional and skilled orthopedic surgeon who can help you get rid of the knee pain.
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