The advantages of knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery was not an option for patients 50 years ago. Although the first knee arthroplasty was performed in 1968, surgical advances since that time have tremendously influenced the outcomes of the procedure today. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than half a million knee replacement surgeries are done in the United States every year.
The decision to have knee replacement surgery is usually a joint decision between the patient, the patient's family and an orthopedic surgeon. Many patients delay having the surgery as long as possible, due to the tough rehabilitation involved post-operatively. However, once they recover from the surgery, and have successively made it through rehab, the majority of patients are pleased with the results of the decision.
Benefits of knee replacement surgery
The main benefits for patients to opt for a knee replacement are:
- significant reduction in pain
- improved function and range of motion of the knee joint
- improved quality of life
- correction of deformities
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that more than 90 percent of patients who decide to undergo knee replacement surgery “experience a dramatic reduction of knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities of daily living.” In fact there are only a few activities that orthopedic surgeons suggest avoiding, and those include singles tennis, jogging and high-impact types of sports. Patients have the green light to go skiing after this surgery, although any expectations of one developing more athletic ability than what one had pre-op is unrealistic.
The clinical medical website Uptodate.com verifies the statements of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and states that 91 percent of patients in a study reported “excellent results.” The study consisted of 233 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, and subsequently agreed to knee replacement surgery, which involved “cemented posterior cruciate ligament- sparing surgery.” Time is a factor, and to reach the maximum pain relief benefits, a year or more may be involved.
Patients with osteoarthritis typically have decreased range of motion due to pain and they limit their activities as a result. Post-operatively, these patients are again able to climb stairs, walk long distances and become involved in cycling, golf or other activities again, resulting in a better quality of life.
As an added benefit, deformities can be corrected by the surgical technique involved in knee replacement, most notably varus (bow-legged) or valgus (knock-kneed) malformations. Some patients actually may be a half-inch to an inch taller after the surgery due to the straightening of the leg, especially if both knees are replaced.
Research advises against delay in surgery
Since the prostheses used in knee replacement do not last indefinitely, most surgeons advise patients to wait until the pain is severe before having the surgery. Recently, researchers at the University of Delaware found that women, in particular, wait longer to have this surgery, and by doing so, they are risking mobility and quality of life post-operatively.
Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Alumni Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware, believes that a patient’s “level of function going into surgery generally dictates your level of function after surgery.” The study team she led was funded by a grant from NIH for $1.25 million, and included 221 patients. Mackler says that the patients with severe pain compensate by limiting and restricting their activities, this leading to more sedentary, unhealthy lifestyles pre-operatively. She recommends against delaying surgery and encourages women to educate themselves on the benefits of and risks of knee replacement surgery.
