How young is too young for knee replacements?

 

Question  how young can a patient be to get knee replacement. i was in a car accident with a drunk driver 14 yrs ago. i've had authroscopic surgury done on both knees 3 times at the same time(healing is better that way), cortisone shotes, therapy 3 times, predisone package, and now synvisc. i am now 41 and the pain is worse. they tell me that i'm too young for knee replacement because i would use them up too fast. my thoughts are "why"? why cant i get the necessary use out of them. if a 70 yr old person can get very minimal use out of them then why cant i get the most out of them. please give me some insight. thanks
 
Answer  These are good questions that would be best discussed with an orthopedic surgeon.  However, in general, it is true that waiting for a first knee replacement until older age is the best course.  But many individuals with severe hip or knee pain cannot wait that long.  For example, a number of adults with rheumatoid arthritis have joint replacements in their 20s and 30s.  If the pain is severe and the joint is end-stage (bone on bone), then proceeding with a joint replacement may be the only realistic option.  Not being able to exercise and walk for 5-10 years while waiting for the ripe age at which you can have a joint replacement isn't good for your heart or muscles either.  Life is full of trade-offs.  One must realize, though, that if the first knee or hip replacement is at age 41, then will be a few more down the road and there may come a time when another cannot be done.  At that point, the patient may again become completely disabled but at least you have had some good years with functional knees/hips.

Last update: 10:27 AM Monday, October 15, 2007

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