Knee replacement has become the most common form of joint replacement

surgery. In 2010 over 721,000 such procedures were performed in the United
States.1 Between 1991 and 2010, the incidence of knee replacements increased by
over 161%, due partly to improvements in the science of knee replacement
implants, experience of surgeons, and the growing population of knee replacement
patients.2 Although public perception can be influenced by negative advertising
and press, the fact is that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful
surgical procedures performed today and patient perception is by and large
positive.3

Success rates
Success rates and quality of life improvements for knee replacement patients are
reliably very high. Nine out of 10 knee replacement patients experience an
immediate relief from knee pain, and 95% report they are satisfied with their
procedure.5 Approximately 90% of replacement knee joints last 10 years, while
80% are good for 20+ years, depending on patient health and activity levels.
Outcomes vary from patient to patient.4

Who gets a knee replacement?

Most knee replacement patients are over 60 years of age (52.66%), but certain
factors can necessitate knee replacement in younger people and there is a growing
incidence of patients in their 50s, 40s and even 30s who have had successful knee
replacements.1 The largest contributing factor to needing a knee replacement is
advanced arthritis, however other conditions such as osteonecrosis (reduced blood
supply to bone causing bone death and pain), and injuries (trauma from accidents
or sports injuries) may lead to breakdown of the knee joint and create the need for
knee replacement surgery.4

Rehabilitation as a factor in success

While knee replacement surgery is largely very successful, the success of the
procedure is partly due to the rehabilitation period that follows the surgery. For
you to expect a good result from knee replacement surgery, you must be an active
rehab participant. The importance of this cannot be underestimated!

Rehabilitation after knee replacement begins almost immediately. You will work
with a physical therapist as soon as the surgical procedure has been performed.
The emphasis in the early stages of rehab is to maintain motion of the knee
replacement and to ensure that you can walk safely. The body reacts to surgery by
making scar tissue, and you may never recover normal motion if you do not focus
on bending and straightening your knee replacement according to your doctors
and physical therapists instructions.6
Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a rehabilitation plan of
action that you can continue with at home or in a local gym. During this recovery
and rehab period, it is important to follow the physical therapists instructions
carefully and not over work your new knee joint or surrounding muscles and
tissues while they are healing and becoming stronger.

What results can you expect from your new knee?

While successful knee replacement gives excellent pain relief, it does not give you
a normal knee. Many patients are pain-free, but some still may have occasional
aches and a feeling that its not their own joint. Most patients can get back to
activities; however, high impact activities or running after knee replacement is not
recommended. For the first six to eight weeks you should be especially careful not
to pivot or twist the joint, and to keep the knee as straight as possible while lying
in bed. Kneeling and squatting also should be avoided for this period after knee
replacement surgery.7

More about recovering from knee replacement >>

When is revision surgery necessary?

Revision surgery is procedure that removes and replaces the original implant,
usually due to a complication from the initial knee replacement. The vast majority
of knee replacements (96.3%) require no revision within 18 months of the original
surgery.5 Those that do require revision (3.7%) are usually due to infection or
mechanical complications of the implant. After 10 years the incidents of revision
surgery increase (12%) usually due to long term wear and loosening of the
implant.5

What can you do to avoid the need for revision

surgery?
Follow your doctors recommendations for recovery post-surgery

Learn and do the recovery physical therapy exercises as directed

Use your new knee but do not overdo it or put unnecessary stress on the
joint

Fortunately, many of the contributing factors to knee replacement revisions can be

prevented by mindful attention to your new joint and avoiding activities that may
over-stress the implant and surrounding muscles.

With any surgical procedure there are risks of complications. Some of the reported
complications with knee replacement surgery include:5
 Mechanical complication of the implant (4.3%)

Blood clots: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolis (3.9%)

Cardiac complications (3.2%)

Post-operative infection (1.8%)

Although the incidence of complications is very low compared to the success rate,
it is important that you consider your own level of risk and discuss that with your
doctor. For example, an overweight 65 year old who has led a mostly sedentary
lifestyle and has a family history of osteoporosis (brittle bones) is likely to have a
higher risk of complications post-surgery than an individual with strong bone
density and a more active lifestyle. Genetics, family history, and lifestyle play a
large part in the success rate of any surgery.

What about implant recalls and lawsuits?

There have been some (2010-2012) recalls and lawsuits concerning joint
replacement implants and procedures, and they represent a very small portion of
the total implant population. Media and negative advertising, especially by law
firms to promote lawsuits, get far more attention than successful surgeries.

Joint replacement implant manufacturers are continually improving and evolving

their products to better serve the patients who receive and use them, and as
mentioned above success rates of the surgery remain exceptionally high.

One manufacturer, Zimmer Biomet, has begun standing behind their implants by
offering a warranty on their partial knee replacement system that will pay
expenses associated with revision surgery should it be needed.

Surgical procedures are also continually being evaluated and updated. Most joint
replacement manufacturers offer specialized training in the proper implementation
of their products to surgeons all over the world. That is why its important to
discuss with your surgeon what types of implants they have had the most
experience and success with, and if they have participated in any specialized
training provided by the manufacturer of those implants.

https://bonesmart.org/knee/how-successful-is-knee-replacement-surgery/

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90 percent of

people who have a knee replacement have a lot less pain. Most of these people are
able to perform daily activities and stay active. In many cases, theyre able to
resume activities like golf and walking that their arthritic pain made them give up
years ago.

A total knee replacement (TKR) is also known as a total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
It relies on a mechanical implant to replace your actual knee.

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Success Rates

The device usually lasts well over a decade. The procedure is being used more and
more for younger people with osteoarthritis (OA) and other degenerative knee
conditions. About 85 percent of artificial knees still work after 20 years. Their
endurance is one reason that this procedure is so popular.

Most people who undergo a knee replacement are between the ages of 50 and 80.
The average age is about 70. About 60 percent of the recipients are women. The
procedure has a high success rate and is considered relatively safe and effective.

Safety and Complications

The safety of TKRs is well documented. According to the American Academy of

Orthopedic Surgeons, Serious complications, such as knee joint infection, occur
in fewer than 2 percent of patients. Blood clots can be a risk, as they are with all
orthopedic procedures, but the risk is low. Using a blood thinner or other common
preventative measures can help decrease the risk of a pulmonary embolism. A
pulmonary embolism is the worst potential complication of a blood clot.

Did You Know?

Ninety percent of total knee replacements still work after 10 years.

One study found that only 1.2 percent of people getting a TKR were hospitalized
for blood clots within 90 days of surgery. Men over the age of 70 have the highest
risk of blood clots. Cases of osteolysis when plastic or metal fragments are
released from the knee implant into the body and cause inflammation are also
uncommon.

Your implant wont last forever. Over time, the metal and plastic parts wear out.
People who are overweight or take part in high impact activities are more likely to
experience problems with the mechanical knee implant.

Knee implants can come loose in rare cases. This is most likely to happen at the
start of rehabilitation, typically a few days after surgery. Its also rare for the
device to malfunction. This is usually caused by a traumatic injury.
People often experience pain and require a revision surgery when an implant fails
or osteolysis occurs. About 10 percent of patients require a revision within 10
years. This involves the replacement of worn components with new prosthetics.

Stiffness following the operation is not uncommon. This is one of the reasons that
postoperative physical therapy is so important. Approximately 1% of TKRs need
revision because of arthrofibrosis, a condition in which scar tissue forms and
limits motion of the knee joint.

Positive Outcomes

A successful TKR or partial knee replacement (PKR) typically leads to a higher

quality of life, less pain, and better mobility. One study that examined 181 patients
found that pain scores decreased significantly after surgery. The people in the
study who had undergone a TKR also had improved range of motion of their
knees.

Another 2011 study conducted at the University of Bremen in Germany found that
those who undergo a TKR for OA are able to be much more physically active
within a year of surgery. The studys authors noted that a TKR offers profound
improvements of physical activity for the majority of patients.

Spend some time reading through this guide if youre considering a knee
replacement. You should also check manufacturers websites and listen to the
testimonials of others who have received knee replacements. It could help you
have a smooth experience with knee replacement.

http://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/outcomes-
statistics-success-rate#3