Arthritis of the Knee by J. Albert Diaz MD

Author:J. Albert Diaz MD [Diaz MD, J. Albert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Albert Diaz
Published: 2017-02-07T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 5

10 Questions: Total Knee Replacement

Section 1

Do I Need A Knee Replacement?

Medicare beneficiaries make up about 60% of the total knee replacement (TKR) population. Between 1991 and 2010, the number of Medicare patients undergoing TKR increased by 160%, while the per capita utilization doubled from 31 procedures per 10,000 patients to 62. The rapid increase in the number of procedures being performed is, in large measure, a reflection of the success of total knee replacement in improving health-related quality of life and functional status. If most patients weren’t happy with their results, word would get around.

This rapid growth has led some to ask whether TKR is over-utilized – are some procedures unnecessary? Determining appropriateness is difficult since guidelines for surgery are somewhat subjective.

Symptoms, rather than the appearance of an X-ray, should determine the need for surgery. If you have severe functional limitations and cannot carry out activities of daily living without pain, and have failed conservative, non-operative management, you are a candidate. A desire to return to sport is not a good reason to have a knee replacement.

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