Next to hips, knees are the most commonly replaced joint in America. Knee replacements are performed more than 600,000 times a year in this nation, with each having the ability to last a minimum of between 10 and 20 years, but possibly longer. That's a long time to have improved mobility and independence. If you're considering having a knee replacement, here's what you need to know.

Is Knee Replacement Right for Me?

Your doctor is the best one to answer this question for you, but if you regularly experience knee pain and would like a permanent option for relief, a knee replacement may be the solution.

Chronic joint pain can make even the most simple tasks seem impossible, especially when that pain makes it difficult to walk without help. Knee replacement surgery is a solid option for both men and women who suffer with this type of chronic condition. Talk with your doctor if you'd like more information on whether knee replacement surgery is a good option for you.

What Determines How Long a Knee Replacement Lasts?

Many factors impact how long your new knee replacement may last, but it's normal to expect at least 10 years. Doctors do know that your age when you have a knee replacement plays a key role. The younger you are, the more likely you are to need a revision. Possibly this is because younger people tend to be more active and subject their knees to more wear and tear.

According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, more than 89 percent of knee replacement patients were still happy 20 years after their initial surgery, with no need for revision. Much of this depends upon:

• The skill of your knee replacement surgeon
• Your age
• The quality of the materials used in your procedure
• Your lifestyle and how active you are afterward
• The quality of your pre-op preparation
• The quality of your post-op rehabilitation

Patients who experience the best outcomes are those who benefit from quality materials and advanced surgical technologies, highly skilled surgeons, and quality aftercare. For these patients, a knee replacement could very well last a lifetime without needing revision.

How Can I Increase My Chances for Success?

You may experience a better, more permanent outcome from your knee replacement surgery by living a healthy lifestyle and following your surgeon's orders. These may include:

• Losing excess weight
• Learning to eat well
• Engaging in low-impact exercise instead of high-impact activities such as jogging
• Avoiding lifting too-heavy objects
• Not pivoting on the leg with the replacement

If you're careful to protect your knee after surgery and beyond, there's ample evidence to suggest you may never need a revision. Read our recommended tips for speeding up recovery.

When You're Ready to Talk About Knee Replacement Surgery

If you think knee replacement surgery may be the solution to your chronic pain, contact Prime Surgical Suites in Granite Falls, NC. Our outpatient orthopedic center routinely performs knee replacement surgery to relieve pain and improve mobility.

The joint-replacement specialists at Prime Surgical Suites are expert physicians who bring years of training and experience to the exam table. They are, in fact, among the best joint-replacement specialists in the region. At Prime Surgical Suites, you'll benefit from only the newest and least-invasive surgical procedures such as the NAVIO Surgical System that employs a robot-assisted technique to be minimally invasive and reduce scarring. In most instances, knee replacement at Prime Surgical Suites is an outpatient procedure that gets you in and out on the same day. You'll recover comfortably at home until mobility returns.

Download Dr. Norcross’s guide for knee replacement surgery for more information on knee and replacement surgery.

At Prime Surgical Suites, we provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective musculoskeletal surgical care in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting for patients of all ages. Located in RiverCrest Medical Park, we are the region's first outpatient center focused exclusively on orthopedics. Our physician-led center will help restore your active lifestyle and well-being with compassion and orthopedic excellence.