Folsom, CA
A 89-year-old female asked:
how old is too old for a knee replacement?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Sparacinoanswered
Family Medicine 37 years experience
No specific number: Quality of life has emerged as the number one measure for joint replacement.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Bertrand Kaperanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 29 years experience
Depends: Most orthopaedic surgeons do not use age as a strict criteria to decide for or against surgery. Many octogenarians (people over 80) are still very healthy and can tolerate a joint replacement surgery. Talk to both your orthopaedic surgeon and your primary care physician to assess your individual situation and risk level.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
CA
A 36-year-old member asked:
How can I avoid knee replacement?
6 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Granberryanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 37 years experience
Avoid further damage: Many conditions conspire to cause damage to the cartilage lining of the knee joint. Avoiding impact injury by activity modification can help slow progression osteoarthritis. Weight loss, and smoking cessation are also recommended. Correction of angular deformities is quite useful, by use of a brace or surgical. Arthroscopy has been shown to be of limited use for this purpose.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Johnnie Strickland Jr commented
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Sublingual N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is effective in reducing pain of arthritis and I have had about half of my patients contemplating replacment surgery cancel after recieving IM Injections as well as sublingual forms of it. Unfortunately, in my experience, oral forms of glucosamine purchased over the counter don't seem to be as effective. email at www.medacpc.com for more info
Dec 5, 2011
A 26-year-old member asked:
Could it be a good idea to use heat after knee replacement?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barry Waldmananswered
Orthopedic Surgery 29 years experience
No: After surgery, ice tends to work better.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
When is a knee replacement recommended?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joel McClurganswered
Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery
The last step: Knee replacement or total knee arthroplasty is recommended when three criteria are met. First the patient has to have x-ray evidence of joint degeneration. Second the patient has to have failed non-surgical treatment. Third the pain caused by the arthritis has to be limiting the patient or decreasing quality of life. In the end it is the patient that decides when to have knee replacement.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 63-year-old member asked:
Tell me about knee replacement surgetu?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Danny Proffittanswered
Family Medicine 43 years experience
Life Changing: If you have a bona fide need for replacement and have seen a reputable orthopedist, this surgery can change your life. You will have <1 week in the hospital, perhaps a week in rehab if any, and will have 2-6 weeks of rehabilitation to go through pending any complicaitons, your general health and condition. You will have some pain, stiffness and muscle atrophy, thus the therapy. Ask a lot of ?'s.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
How long does it take to recover from a knee replacement?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ahmad M Hadiedanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 49 years experience
8-12 weeks: You could start walking the second day with therapy and if you are in good shape the progress will be faster.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jul 20, 2013
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