Consequences of Delaying Surgery
| Watch the video to understand the consequence of delaying surgery |
Early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) with proper treatment is important for the future of your long-term mobility.1 If your doctor has recommended a knee replacement, it is important not to delay your surgery. Delaying surgery can lower your quality of life even more than OA does on its own, both before and for up to two years after surgery!2 Remember, there is no cure for OA and it is degenerative, which means that your pain and limited mobility can get worse over time.3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The way a knee replacement will perform depends on your age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. If you have conditions that limit rehabilitation you should not have this surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can tell you if knee replacement is right for you.
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References:
1. Fortin PR, Clarke AE, Joseph L, et al. Outcomes of Total Hip and Knee Replacement. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 1999;42(8):1722-1728.
2. Fortin PR, Penrod JR, Clarke AE, et al. Timing of Total Joint Replacement Affects Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2002;46(12):3327-3330.
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteoarthritis. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=365&topcategory=Arthritis. Accessed January 14, 2009.
Last Updated: 06/11/2009