For many patients with end-stage degenerative joint disease, knee replacements are the way to go.

Painful arthritis in the knees is a common condition that plagues millions of people, especially baby boomers. But, there are many ways to eliminate the pain caused by arthritis.

While many people are able to effectively manage their knee pain with medications, injections and physical therapy, in some cases a knee replacement is the only way to preserve their quality of life. Today, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacement procedures are performed each year1.

“I have many patients tell me they can’t walk a city block without pain, or that they can’t walk around the grocery store or make their way through a busy mall,” says Dr. Anthony Falvello, an orthopedic surgeon in Coordinated Health’s Hazelton office. “Knee replacement is often a good option for them. They last a long time, have a low complication rate and are very good at alleviating arthritis pain.”

Making the right decision

The implants are made of plastic and metal, but Dr. Falvello cautions they’re not exactly like the knee you had when you were younger. There are limitations to what an individual who has undergone a knee replacement can do. Things like running, jumping and skiing are no-nos. “In general,” he says, “the harder a patient uses the new knee joint, the quicker it will wear out.”

Historically, knee replacements have been found to last about 20 years with normal use. That’s led to one of the few controversies related to the procedure—at what age should they be performed?

“Because of the 20-year lifespan of a new knee, the prevailing opinion for many years was that a patient should be 50 or older before having knee replacement surgery,” adds Dr. Falvello. “But if you happen to be in your 40s and have a knee condition that severely impedes your ability to get around, would you rather have a higher quality of life now or wait another 10 years and enjoy that enhanced quality when you’re older? It’s then a matter of ensuring the younger patient understands it won’t be their last knee replacement surgery.”

Getting good results

As is the case following any type of significant surgery, the patient has a large role to play in their post-operative care. Following a knee replacement, a patient must undergo intensive therapy. While sometimes difficult, the successful completion of the rigorous therapy sessions is absolutely necessary for a positive outcome.

“One of the great benefits of having this procedure performed at Coordinated Health is a therapy team that is educated on knee replacements and is in constant contact with the physician,” says Dr. Falvello. “I can look at therapy notes to see how a patient is doing, and if I’m not satisfied we can come up with a different plan. The trust I have in the therapy team and our ability to work so closely together brings real benefit to the patient.”

1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons www.aaos.org