Why should Total Knee Replacement be done only after 65 to 70 years of age?
A total Knee Replacement arthroplasty removes the cartilage of the knee and substitutes it with a metal and plastic joint surface. The nerves in the joint are removed as well. The joint is grouted in place with bone cement. Done at this later age, the bones are softer and the muscles are weaker and hence the new joint can work for significant periods of time. If the surgery is done at an earlier age, it is likely that it will not be able to last more than 5 years at a time. Any repeat surgeries are more difficult and expensive. Hence it is far better to try and repair the joint at ages lesser than 65 years and reserve the replacement surgery to be done at a later age.
