Reply From Sam on Sunday June 21, 2009 at 04:20 PM

Michael,
My dad just got his knee replaced about 5 months back and he wishes he would have done it ten years ago! He said he feels like a new man and just now is feeling like he can enjoy the things he used to. He used to have so much pain from his arthritis and now he doesn't have to deal with that anymore. I would say if you are having a hard time doing the things you used to enjoy and have tried the other options out there then do it. I know my dad would say you will not regret it. Good luck.

Reply From Jake on Monday May 03, 2010 at 10:00 PM

Michael,
I would advise you to discuss this with a sports medicine physician or your family physician - both of whom are fully aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a total knee replacement, and - unlike many orthopedic surgeons - will offer unbiased advice about surgery.

Perhaps you haven't given alternative therapies enough time, such as orthotics to shift the load in your knee, hyaluronic acid injections, more fine-tuned pain control, or physical therapy to stabilize and strengthen the knee joint, taking the load off of the painful part.

Any major surgery is a big decision that requires a case-by-case evaluation. If your health puts you at high risk of intraoperative complications, the risks of surgery might outweigh the benefits.