i have had my knee scoped twice. in highschool iwas told by the time i am 30 i would need a knee replacement. i just turned 25 and its starting to feel like that may be a reality. i am very active. i love to run, juke, and jive. it would kill me if i could not do this any more. are there any alternatives? could maybe i dont know a spring or something. ill be the first one to sign up to be a cyborg.
2006-08-23 14:48:51 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Well the problem is that knee replacements only last about 10 years before they have to be redone and recovery is 6months to a year. I've been told i need one, but I'm going to hold out until i really cannot take it anymore and HAVE to have it done!
Good luck!!
2006-08-23 14:55:03 · answer #1 · answered by sarahbeth 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on your diagnosis. It is possible that you have arthritis in your knee so bad that only surgery will help. I have had patients who had knee, hip, shoulder replacements at a young age. But the other answerers are right that the prosthesis only lasts 10 - 20 years. So I would recommend alternatives and get a replacement only as a last resort. You said you have already had your knee scoped twice - did it help? If the meniscus cartilage is damaged or gone, there is a newer surgery where they can replace the meniscus. That may give you relief. Physical therapy can help improve the efficiency of knees and may give you some pain relief. Also, you may need to switch up your physical activities. Try an elliptical machine instead of running. Try riding a bike, swimming, weight lifting, etc. These are low impact activities that should not hurt your knees but will keep you healthy.
Talk to your orthopedic surgeon regarding your options. If he or she does not have alternatives to knee replacement, seek a second opinion. Good luck!
2006-08-27 09:57:24 · answer #2 · answered by realove336 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes there are many benefits to a total knee replacement but, you are ENTIRELY TOO YOUNG for this procedure. Most people who have knee replacements are at the age of 55 or more. The life expectancy of a total knee replacement is 15-20 years before you have to have another one. So if you choose to do this now, and if the surgeon agrees---then he is an idiot--then, you will most likely be looking at having another by the time you are 45 and possibly a third one 15-20 years after that. Find you a good orthopedic surgeon to see and discuss your options. Today, there are so many alternatives for a young person your age.
2006-08-24 09:50:02 · answer #3 · answered by college@44 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My grandma had knee replacement in 1999 when she was 78, she couldn't hardly walk before it. Now she's 85 and she still walks on it, better than before. Hope everything works out for you. No matter what happens, though, just remeber, things could always be worse. :)
2006-08-23 22:03:42 · answer #4 · answered by kitty_kats06 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋