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How Long Will a Knee Replacement Last?

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Knee replacements can be a second chance at pain-free mobility for those struggling with knee injuries or arthritis. When you’re considering a knee replacement, it’s common to have many questions about the recovery process. One of the most common questions is how long you can expect your new knee to last. 

That’s the question that our expert team of doctors at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County is here to answer. 

How long do knee replacements last?

Most knee implants can last for at least 20 years, according to research published in The Lancet. Specifically, researchers found that 90% of those who had knee implants still reported functionality at the 20-year mark. Another study found that 82% of knee replacements were still functioning even after 25 years.

Explore the factors that affect your knee replacement

Not all knee replacements last 20 years; many things influence this number. The longevity of your knee implant is determined by a few factors, including your age, weight, and activities. 

Younger patients may need revision surgeries since they are typically more active and require more years out of their implant. 

Weight also impacts the lifespan of your implant, as excess weight puts more strain on your knee joints 一 and that’s true whether or not you have an implant. 

And finally, your chosen activities can impact the life of your implant. The more you participate in high-impact activities, the more likely you may need a revision surgery. For instance, sprinting and jogging put more pressure on your knees than power walking or aquatic exercise. 

Tips for taking care of your knee replacement

Even before you undergo knee replacement surgery, you can take proactive steps to extend the life of your knee replacement. 

If you know you are looking at the possibility of knee replacement and you’re overweight, you can start working towards your goal weight. Taking action to lose weight (if needed) now can help make your recovery smoother later. Losing weight also helps reduce the risk of post-op complications. (Losing weight can also help reduce the risk that you even need a knee replacement.) 

After your surgery, you can continue to implement the following strategies to extend the life of your knee replacement:

  • Complete your physical therapy exercises diligently
  • Follow all post-op instructions thoroughly 
  • Practice proper posture when lifting, bending, etc.
  • Follow instructions for lifting weights and squatting
  • Avoid high-impact activities, such as running
  • Refrain from smoking (smoking before and after knee replacement surgery can increase your risk of needing a joint revision surgery sooner)
  • Switch high-impact for low-impact activities, such as yoga, aquatics classes, peddling on a stationary bike, gardening, swimming, and walking

After your initial recovery period, you should be able to return to your favorite activities and enjoy mobility without pain. 

Ready to explore the possibilities of a knee replacement? We’re just a call, click, or text away. Schedule an appointment online at the location of your choice 一 Bloomfield Hills or Clarkson, Michigan 一 with our orthopedic specialists. You can also call us at 248-335-2977 or send us a text at 248-335-2622.