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Knee replacement Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.

Answers to questions about knee replacement

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How long will my knee replacement last?

Knee replacements usually last between 10 and 15 years.

Explanation

Replacements joints are designed to last for a long time. The modern materials used are strong enough to stand up to the requirements of young and active people.

Currently about 90 percent of artificial joints used for knee replacement last for 10 years or more. However, there is increasing research into the design and material of replacement knee joints to make them last longer.

You should have an X-ray on your knee at least every five years after your operation. If your replacement joint is found to be loosening or breaking, you may need another operation to correct this.

Further information

Sources

  • Surgery for arthritis: total hip and knee joint replacement. Arthritis research campaign. www.arc.org.uk
    • , accessed 6 February 2008
  • Osteoarthritis. National Library for Health. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 6 February 2008
  • Knee replacement: a guide to good practice. British Orthopaedic Association and the British Association for Surgery of the Knee. 1999. www.boa.ac.uk
  • Total knee replacement: a guide for patients. British Association for Surgery of the Knee and the British Orthopaedic Association. 2007. www.boa.ac.uk
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Are there any sports/activities I shouldn't take part in after my knee replacement?

Once you are fully recovered you can do exercise and sport. However you shouldn't take part in any high-impact exercises such as running and jumping.

Explanation

During your recovery your physiotherapist will recommend exercises for you that will improve your strength and range of motion.

As you recover you can start swimming and do more walking to strength your muscles around the joint. You can gradually start cycling but if you feel any pain than you must stop and allow yourself more time to recover.

When you have made a full recovery, you can have a more active lifestyle. However it's important that you don't take part in high-impact activities. High-impact activities include running and jumping so you shouldn't do sports such as football or basketball. But you can do low-impact sports such as golf, bowls or tennis.

Regular exercise will help to improve and maintain your mobility. When returning to any sport it's important to take your time to rebuild your strength, coordination and reflexes. For example if you play golf, you should work on chipping and putting before attempting longer distance shots and you should use a golf cart for the first six months.

You may find that you can't return to your chosen sport at the same level as you were before. Your risk of injury is greatly increased if you take part in competitive, rather than recreational, sport.

Your doctor, surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to give you more information about what activities are suitable.

Further information

Sources

  • Total knee replacement: a guide for patients. British Association for Surgery of the Knee and the British Orthopaedic Association. 2007. www.boa.ac.uk
  • Physiotherapy and arthritis. Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk
    • , accessed 18 March 2008
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What can I do to make my recovery easier?

You should try to be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation and prepare your home for when you return.

Explanation

If you are having a knee replacement it's a good idea to try to be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation to speed up your recovery.

If you smoke you will be asked to stop, as smoking can increase your chances of getting a wound infection and slows your recovery. If you are overweight your doctor may recommend a weight-loss programme.

You can exercise to strengthen your upper body. This will help you to get around after the surgery when using walking aids such as crutches.

If it's possible you should try to strengthen your leg muscles. Strengthening the muscles around your knee will speed your recovery and will make it easier to perform the postoperative exercises.

Your surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to recommend exercises for you.

It's a good idea to prepare your home for when you return from hospital. This may involve rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around and placing commonly used items at arm level so you don't have to reach for them. It's also a good idea to stock up on non-perishable food such as frozen or tinned items, so that you don't need to go shopping immediately after your surgery.

You may need someone to help during the first few weeks after surgery. It's a good idea to arrange to have a friend or family member stay with you for a couple of weeks after the operation.

Further information

Sources

  • Preparing for joint replacement surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 6 February 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Mr Stephen Cannon, MA, MCh Orth, FRCS, MRCOG, Spire Bushey Hospital, Bushey, and by Bupa doctors. It has also been reviewed by Arthritis Research Campaign (arc). The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2008

 

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