Are You Ready For Knee Replacement Surgery?

Signs you need, or don't need, a knee replacement

Knee replacement is a major surgery, which is why deciding it's a big decision when deciding whether to have the surgery. Here are some signs to look for to help you decide if the time is right or not right for knee replacement surgery.

Signs You're Ready For Knee Replacement

• You have knee pain that keeps you awake, or awakens you, at night.

• You have knee pain which limits activities necessary to go about your daily routine (such as getting up from a chair or climbing stairs).

• You have knee pain that limits activities that give you pleasure (such as walking for exercise, traveling or shopping.).

• You have tried other treatments for a reasonable period of time, and you still have persistent knee pain.

You and your doctor must consider many other factors prior to surgery, including age, overall health, and bone density. But the list above will give you an idea when you should begin to consider knee replacement surgery.

Signs You Are Not Ready For Knee Replacement

• Your knee pain does not limit normal activities.

• Your symptoms are improving with more conservative treatments.

• You have not tried more conservative treatments.

• You are only limited from performing activities such as running or skiing.

Patients who fit these criteria usually need more effort at treating their knee pain with more conservative measures. Discuss these options with your doctor.

_Source:

"NIH Consensus Development Conference on Total Knee Replacement" National Institutes of Health, Consensus Development Conference Statement, December 8-10, 2003.