The Possible Consequences of Delaying Knee Replacement

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

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.

References:
1. Fortin, Paul R., et al. "Outcomes of Total Hip and Knee Replacement." Arthritis & Rheumatism 42 (8) August 1999: 1722-1728.
2. Fortin, Paul R., et al. “Timing of Total Joint Replacement Affects Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee.” Arthritis & Rheumatism 46 (12) December 2002: 3327-3330.
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=365&topcategory=Arthritis)

Last Updated: 12/12/2006