Delaying knee joint replacement – What are the risks?

Patients often delay knee joint replacement surgery due to fear of the procedure or concerns about recovery.

Interestingly, while many people worry about the potential outcomes of knee replacement surgery, fewer stop thinking about the potential consequences of delaying the treatment.

Continuing to delay knee joint replacement surgery can bring about serious consequences; keep reading to find out.

What is knee joint replacement surgery?

Knee joint replacement surgery is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with artificial components.

It is typically done when conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or assistive devices, have not provided sufficient relief from chronic knee pain.

Some common reasons why your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery-

• Osteoarthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Knee deformity
• Chronic knee pain

Additional reasons your orthopedic doctor might suggest knee joint surgery depend on your age, lifestyle, symptoms, medical history, and condition.

What are the advantages of knee joint replacement surgery?

Depending on individual cases, patients may have the following benefits from knee replacement surgery:

• Reduction or elimination of pain
• Ability to resume normal activities
• Enhanced joint stability
• Better or improved mobility
• Reduced risk of injury
• Increased quality of life

What are the dangers of delaying knee replacement surgery?

Following are some of the dangers/risks of delaying knee replacement surgery:

Damaged bones and joints:

The longer you delay, the more tissues wear and tear around the knee occurs. Due to this, the bones at the joint grind against each other instead of moving smoothly.

Delaying knee replacement surgery allows the joint damage to progress further, potentially leading to increased bone loss, cartilage deterioration, and joint deformity. Due to severe joint damage, the surgery may be more complex and less effective in advanced stages.

Surrounding muscle and tissue weakens:

Limited mobility, constant inflammation, and increased pressure could prevent proper movements, weakening the muscle. The more pain you feel, the less you’ll move.

Delaying surgery perpetuates this cycle as the weakened muscles become further deconditioned, making post-operative rehabilitation and recovery more challenging.

Constant pain management:

Not treating your knee calls for more pain medication and relief. Severe pain affects the quality of life, preventing fitness and mobility.

You may experience difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing routine tasks. This can restrict your independence and ability to engage in physical activities, affecting your overall health and fitness.

Bad posture:

While bad posture itself may not be an immediate risk of delaying knee surgery, it can contribute to additional strain on the knees and potentially worsen knee pain and discomfort.

Also Read: What are the Causes of Knee Pain When Bending?

When the knee joint is misaligned due to poor posture, it can lead to abnormal stress and wear on the joint surfaces, exacerbating existing knee issues. For example, you might develop a limp that further affects your back or ankle when moving.

Risk of injury:

You could also risk damaging the other knee due to improper movement and restricted mobility. This is because of the constant pressure from using your ‘good’ knee/side.

Additionally, you risk losing stability when moving, making you prone to falling.

Surgical complications:

The longer you wait for knee replacement surgery, the more damage sustained. Hence, making the surgery more complex and longer to perform:

• The knee may become deformed and, therefore, harder to replace
• The surgical procedure can take longer
• Kneecap resurfacing may be required
• Options may become more limited.

Increased recovery time:

When you put off surgery for too long, it takes more time for your body to heal and adjust. Plus, as your body ages, you have a higher risk of developing other medical health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension.

Individually or combined, these factors can make rebuilding your strength harder and longer after knee joint replacement surgery.

Also Read: What is the recovery time for knee replacement?

How to manage pain if knee replacement surgery is delayed?

If knee joint replacement surgery is delayed and you are experiencing pain, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage your pain:

• Keeping warm or cold compresses for 10 to 15 minutes about three times a day on the affected knee can help reduce pain.
• Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Light movements help stretch and enable movements. It is best to seek a physical therapist to suit individual needs.
• Assisted devices such as a knee brace, cane, or walker can help alleviate pain and increase mobility.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain and put excessive stress on the knee.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, a technique that involves applying mild electrical impulses to the skin to relieve pain, can help provide temporary pain relief.
• Hyaluronate injection keeps the joint lubricated and helps as a shock absorber.

Remember that these measures are intended for temporary pain relief, and you must consult your doctor for guidance on managing your specific pain situation.

Also Read: Life after Total Knee Replacement Surgery

What should I do if I’m considering knee joint replacement surgery?

Getting a knee joint  is a big decision. If you think it’s time to start the discussion, make an appointment with our knee surgeon and expert- Dr. Muthana Sartawi.

He will discuss your symptoms, medical history, examine your knees, and work with you to determine if a knee joint replacement surgery is your best care option.

Dr. Sartawi will provide personalized advice on what knee replacement surgery best suits you.

With his strong know-how and years of experience, you can trust him to help make an informed decision about what procedure will work best for you with the scope of rapid recovery with minimal effort.

Book an appointment today!