Am I Too Young for Knee Replacement Surgery?

There’s no minimum age to get knee replacement surgery, but there are some things you should consider before you opt for this procedure. Here’s a quick guide to help you along the way.

Living with knee pain limits you. A simple walk across the house can feel daunting. You might find yourself giving up things you used to enjoy.

Fortunately, a knee replacement can give you a new lease on life. Once you recover from this procedure, you get to step into your life without the pain that’s been holding you back. But if you’re under 60, you might be wondering: is now the right time to get this surgery?

If you’re weighing a knee replacement for yourself, you’re in the right place. At Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida, Karl Siebuhr, MD, and our team specialize in these procedures. With extensive expertise, we can help you decide if now is the right time for your new knee.

The age cutoff for knee replacement

Technically, there’s no minimum age for knee replacement surgery. Instead, the decision about when to get this procedure totally hinges on your specific scenario.

To help you decide if you’re ready for this treatment option, Dr. Siebuhr evaluates your knee and asks you plenty of questions about how it’s affecting you. As he gathers information, he discusses your options with you.

Some people, for example, benefit from exploring other pain-relieving treatments first, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. If these options work to ease the person’s pain, they may choose to wait on knee replacement surgery.

If nothing brings you relief, though, opting to get a new knee joint can help you finally step into a pain-free life.

Things to consider with knee replacement surgery

Generally speaking, replacement knee joints last about 15–20 years. It can make sense, then, to push the surgery for a time to minimize the number of revision surgeries you need to keep your knee functioning its best throughout your life. Many people try to make it to around age 60 to get the surgery.

That said, waiting too long can actually hurt you. If the joint deteriorates too significantly, it can make your replacement surgery more complex. Plus, recovery is usually easier when you’re younger.

Ultimately, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to knee replacement surgery. Dr. Siebuhr can help you evaluate all of the factors at play and decide if now’s the right time for you.

To talk with a knee replacement specialist and explore your choices for getting relief from your knee pain — including joint replacement — we’re here. Don’t hesitate to call our office or request your appointment online today.