Am I Too Young for a Knee Replacement?

Doctors perform approximately 1.3 million knee replacements each year in the United States alone. Patients suffering from severe arthritis or other knee injuries may choose knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) to regain mobility and a better quality of life. 

At Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon Robert A. Mileski, MD, employs nonsurgical and surgical treatments, such as knee replacement surgery, to help patients of all ages with chronic knee pain.

What does knee replacement surgery entail?

When your knee pain can’t be controlled through other means, Dr. Mileski employs innovative surgical techniques, such as robotics, in either a hospital or outpatient setting. During surgery, Dr. Mileski keeps the incisions as small as possible as he attaches implants made of metal and plastic with rods and cement. Your new knee joints perform just like a healthy knee without pain.

You’ll then receive physical therapy over the next month. We also provide medication for pain and compression boots to reduce swelling.

Nonsurgical measures for knee pain

Dr. Mileski may employ nonsurgical measures before opting for surgery. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections in and around the affected knee
• Modifying physical activity
• Using a crutch, cane, or walker

We may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen the area, and weight loss for heavier patients to put less pressure on the joints.

Should you and Dr. Mileski decide on full or partial knee replacement, your new knee(s) should last at least 15 years, regardless of your current age.

Total versus partial knee replacement

Younger patients suffering from injury or other issues are more apt to opt for a partial knee replacement of one or two areas of the joint. 

Total knee replacement, which is more common, replaces the: 

• Kneecap (patellofemoral)
• Outside (lateral) of the knee that control sideways motion
• Inside (medial) areas that assist stability, including the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus

Dr. Mileski performs partial knee replacement surgery, which requires less recovery time, on just the medial and lateral areas. 

Postsurgical healing

We’ll provide you with a customized plan for recovery and physical therapy. Some general tips include: 

• Ice your knee for 20 minutes a few times a day to reduce pain and swelling
• Elevate your knee on pillows while in bed
• Clean and cover your incision, carefully following instructions

Your physical therapy consists of home exercises to strengthen your muscles and ward off stiffness. A physical therapist shows you exactly how to exercise to regain pain-free mobility.

How age and other factors influence surgical outcome

Although only a small percentage of patients require additional knee surgery later on, one study showed patients 55 and younger were twice as likely to require another surgery, since they usually had more years ahead. Still, patients sporting excessive knee pain, regardless of their age, may benefit from replacement surgery sooner rather than later. If your knee joint deteriorates too much, the surgery becomes even more challenging.

We evaluate each patient, whether 50 or 80 years of age, based upon a variety of criteria, such as:

• Pain level
• Disability issues caused by knee pain
• Condition of knee cartilage
• Severity of arthritis or ligament injury
• Activity level

Since you’ll be under anesthesia during surgery, your general health also becomes a consideration. We also customize your postsurgical therapy based upon age, stamina, and other factors.

If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, or wish to discuss other orthopedic issues with Dr. Mileski, schedule a consultation online or by phone with our experienced team at Phoenix Orthopedic Group today.