| When it comes to determining whether its time to | | | | have determined the knee has to be replaced, then |
| have a knee replaced, only you can determine it. | | | | you can feel assured that setting a date to get it |
| If you ask the your orthopedic surgeon they will tell | | | | done is the next move to make. |
| you " you will know when its time" in other words | | | | Listening to advice on the streets on how its best to |
| when the pain becomes so un-bearable that you | | | | wait until you can't walk anymore and have to be |
| cannot walk effectively or, you cannot get a good | | | | pushed to the surgeon in a wheelchair is no longer |
| nights sleep then its time. When day to day living | | | | valid or, recommended. |
| becomes a chore due to the pain, its time to get to | | | | Many surgeons today will operate on patients in their |
| the operating room. | | | | 40s and 50s when it comes to joint replacement |
| By postponing the surgery you are inviting other | | | | since the replacements have become more minimally |
| problems that will contribute to a delayed | | | | invasive and, the prosthesis have become more |
| rehabilitation outcome. For instance, your surrounding | | | | durable. |
| musculature will undergo a shortening process which | | | | Today there are knee prosthesis developed that |
| leads to contractures with the hamstrings or | | | | have more of a rotational component and mimic the |
| quadriceps which will prevent you from obtaining the | | | | true anatomical knee which gives them a longer shelf |
| knees full range of motion. | | | | life. |
| The longer the surgery is postponed you also | | | | Dealing with chronic pain form a knee that is |
| develop faulty mechanics in your walking pattern | | | | considered to be bone on bone in other words the |
| which can lead to back pain and balance problems. | | | | cartilage is no longer effective in cushioning the joint, |
| Muscle atrophy and weakness begin to develop so | | | | is just another day being spent in pain and creating a |
| you begin to witness a cascade of problems that can | | | | life changing event that is not acceptable to most. |
| be tracked back to the knee itself. | | | | I can tell you first hand having a knee replaced |
| If you have gone and obtained a minimum of two | | | | myself at 44 years of age was the best thing that I |
| opinions from local orthopedic surgeons and both | | | | did. |