Is a Knee Replacement Worth It?

This was the subject of a recent New York Times column. I like the Times columns on health topics; they’re generally smart and well-balanced and backed up by good studies.

The author of this one was no less than Jane Brody – former (and presumably reformed) glucosamine enthusiast – who had both knees replaced. She has no regrets, though is quick to note that there are some limitations with artificial knees.

The upshot of the article is that more people are undergoing this major surgery, and at a younger age – and it’s not always medically justified:

One recent study conducted by Daniel L. Riddle, a physical therapist at Virginia Commonwealth University, and two medical colleagues, for example, examined information from 205 patients who underwent total knee replacements. Fewer than half — 44 percent — fulfilled the criteria for “appropriate,” and 34.3 percent were considered “inappropriate,” with the rest classified as “inconclusive.”

A knee replacement is definitely major surgery. If you don’t believe me, Google it and check out some images. And that new knee doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty. On average, artificial knees apparently last only from 10 to 15 years.

But for some people, it will make sense. I think though, like much surgery, it should be looked upon as a last resort. That's my opinion. I’d be interested in hearing below from people who have had the surgery, and finding out whether the experience was good or bad.   

(By the way, thanks for all the good thoughts in the comments section regarding my hand. I still have a splint on my ring finger, which was turning into a mallet finger – ugh – so I’m not a full-fingered typist yet. Hopefully I’ll get there in a few weeks. Patience! Not as much needed as when healing from knee pain, but still, a displaced fracture is no picnic.)