Resuming Physical Activities After Your Knee Replacement
If you are facing a knee replacement or have had one, you should talk to your physician about the risks of physical activity, such as a loosening or dislocation of the replacement and the possible need for a repeat surgery. Chances are, though, that a knee replacement won’t halt your golf game or drive you from the bowling lanes.
A study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that moderate activities like biking, bowling, and golf are fine for older people who have had knee or hip replacements. A week before surgery (184 knee replacements and 170 hip replacements), the researchers measured pain and function—ability to walk, climb stairs, and do the routine actions involved in day-to-day living—and level of activity in 354 people whose average age was mid to late 60s. The same assessments were taken again at six and 12 months after surgery.
The researchers found that the average hip score on a scale of 1–100, measuring both function and pain, was 40 before surgery and 95 one year after surgery. The average knee score, measuring pain, on a scale of 1–200 was 39 before surgery and 96 one year later. For function, the average knee score was 44 before surgery and 95 a year later. Importantly, the people who were functioning well after their joint replacements also returned to moderate physical activity.
More on Knee Replacement
What Happens During Knee Replacement
Joint replacement is called arthroplasty, and the most common type of arthroplasty is total joint replacement. In this procedure, the entire diseased or damaged knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one (a prosthesis) to relieve pain and restore function.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is not a quick fix, and it is not without risks. Serious complications, such as blood clots and infections, can occur—but precautions can be taken to prevent or control them. In addition, the road to recovery can be difficult and time consuming, particularly with joint replacement surgery.
Is Age an Obstacle to Knee Replacement Surgery?
Some people may worry that they are too old too benefit from having a total knee replacement. But even osteoarthritis patients 75 and older appear to benefit greatly from joint replacement surgery, as a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has indicated. Researchers followed 174 elderly patients with severe knee or hip osteoarthritis—average age 75—for 12 months, assessing them at six weeks, six months, and one year.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery
Surgeons continually seek ways to make joint replacements and repairs easier, safer and less arduous for the patient. A number of new techniques are currently under development.
Female Knee Replacements
Designed specifically to fit a woman’s knee, female knee replacements have been available only in recent years. Prior to 2006, when the Gender Solutions knee was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), knee replacements were unisex—designed to fit both men and women.
After Knee Replacement Surgery: Rehab and Recovery
Successful knee replacement requires a considerable investment of time and energy in rehabilitation following the surgery. Rehabilitation begins in the hospital, usually the day after surgery. During this period, a strict timetable of exercise, rest, and medication is crucial to the success of the surgery.
