Total knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) is a highly successful treatment that can help patients regain mobility, strength, and a positive quality of life. However, it’s not right for everyone. Knee replacement surgery that is performed on a patient who is too young will likely result in the need for future revision surgery—a procedure that involves adjusting or replacing part of the knee implant or the entire device.
The “ideal” candidate for knee replacement surgery is someone who:
- Is older than 50
- Has severe knee pain or stiffness that impacts quality of life
- Has tried all possible non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, bracing, medication, and injection therapies, without experiencing meaningful improvement in symptoms
Generally speaking, knee replacement surgery isn’t recommended for adults who are younger than 50. This is because most knee implants (known as prostheses) only last about 20 years, and knee revision surgery is typically more complex than traditional knee replacement. However, joint replacement may still be viewed as the most viable treatment option if a young adult has debilitating knee pain resulting from an injury or early-onset arthritis.
Are There Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery?
Patients with knee pain who are younger than 50 are usually encouraged to try knee replacement alternatives before committing to surgery. Some common conservative treatment approaches include:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications
- Physical therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Platelet rich plasma therapy
- Knee gel injections (viscosupplementation)
- Anti-inflammatory injections
There are also several lifestyle adjustments that can be made to help reduce strain on the knees and improve symptoms, such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Losing excess weight
- Avoiding high-impact activities
- Regularly engaging in gentle, low-impact exercise
- Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet
- Wearing comfortable shoes
Knee Replacement Surgery at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
Knee replacement surgery is one of our specialties at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group, a division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic practice in the Tampa area. We help patients of all ages find meaningful relief from knee pain and stiffness with progressive treatments and an individualized approach to care. Our patients benefit from the expertise of orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine specialist Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two applauded, board-certified physicians who also serve on the medical staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Yankees.
Whether you’re interested in learning about conservative knee pain treatments or would like to explore your surgical options, you can turn to Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group for the advanced care you need and deserve. In addition to total knee arthroplasty, our specialties include PRP injections, viscosupplementation, and stem cell therapy.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online when it’s convenient for you. Our practice in South Tampa accepts most health insurance plans and serves adolescents, adults, and seniors. We look forward to helping you get back on the move and live life with less pain.
