Total knee replacements have been an option for elderly patients with debilitating pain since the 1960s, but it was only recently that the procedure started being a cost-effective and realistic treatment option for younger patients who suffer from obesity, or who just want to maintain an increasingly active lifestyle. New research indicates that in recent years orthopaedic surgeons have seen a dramatic surge in the number of Baby Boomers suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or injury to the joint – often resulting from increased activities such as marathon running, swimming, or even power walking. According to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, knee replacements nearly tripled in people ages 45 to 64 between 1997 and 2009. Though still less common in younger patients, current estimates suggest that more than half a million Americans in their 50s have had the procedure. Based on current trends, operations in that age group are expected to increase.
“People are more active than ever before, and they don’t want to slow down or give up doing what they love because of pain in their joints,” said Craig Israelite, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. “Our latest research is showing that with new materials and less invasive procedures, we can help younger patients stay active longer.”
With a growing trend of people opting for knee replacement surgery earlier in life, there is some fear of what that could mean for long-term complications. Research shows that patients with artificial knees can experience infections and other complications that eventually require additional treatment. And, artificial knees can wear out over time, some in as few as 15 years. As the trend continues and younger, more active patients receive artificial knees, there is an added concern that high-impact sports such as jogging will have a bigger impact on the joint than what was previously seen in older generations. The question, then, is: how many of these young will eventually need a second or third replacement?
“There is a concern that increased activity will result in added wear and tear on the artificial components overtime,” said Israelite. “However, advances in joint reconstruction techniques and the use of technologically advanced materials such as ceramic bearings in joint reconstruction, provide long-term benefits that allow most of our patients to experience total pain relief and live life as they always have.”
Despite concerns, with the recent advancements in technology, John Kelly IV, MD, a sports medicine expert and associate professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, said having the procedure really is a question of quality of life.
“We see a lot of patients who can’t even go to work because they are in constant pain. And in a lot of cases, knee replacement surgery can let a patient get back to daily life, whether that means simply going to work, or doing other activities like swimming, biking or walking.”