Ask The Doctor: ‘Is there a ‘right time’ to get a knee replacement? And what is the recovery timeline?’

“I’ve been living with knee pain for years, but how do I know if surgery is the right next step? I’m nervous and have lots of questions about recovery and whether I’ll ever get back to normal life.”

Answers from Mr. Philip Brady, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Blackrock Health.

Q: Is it true that knee replacement surgery is only for older people?

Statistics from the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) show that the average age for knee replacement surgery in Ireland is 67.

According to Mr Brady “It is a common misconception that joint replacement surgery is only for older people. While age is a factor in the development of knee osteoarthritis, we are seeing an increasing number of patients in the 50-65 age range – representing over one quarter of knee replacement recipients worldwide – who are excellent candidates for this procedure. The decision is based on the patient’s overall health, the severity of their symptoms, and the impact of knee pain on their functional capacity. Indeed, younger patients often demonstrate superior rehabilitation potential compared to their elderly counterparts. Delaying surgery can result in restriction on movement, resulting in psychological and emotional impact, so it’s important to seek help if you are experiencing pain”

Q: I’m worried about the recovery. Will I be bedridden for months?

Research carried out by Blackrock Health found that one in two people who have undergone a hip or knee replacement were discharged from hospital within 48 hours, with 92% of all people surveyed spending less than five days in hospital overall.

Mr Brady said: “Post-operative recovery has advanced significantly in recent years. While individual experiences vary, many return to normal daily activities within one month. We typically look at recovery in three phases: the initial six weeks post-operatively, a return to driving within 4-5 weeks, and a gradual return to full functionality over the subsequent 6 weeks to three months. Patients can generally expect to achieve maximal benefit approximately 18 months post-surgery.”

Q: I’ve heard knee replacements don’t last very long. Should I wait until I’m older to get the surgery?

According to Mr Brady, contemporary knee implants are designed for longevity. “Current data indicates that 82% of knee replacements remain functional for over 25 years. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in implant materials and surgical techniques continue to improve long-term outcomes. While factors such as patient age, weight, and activity level can influence implant lifespan, the vast majority of patients can anticipate many years of pain-free mobility.”

Q: I’m managing my knee pain with medication. Why should I consider surgery?

A: “While pharmacologic management can provide symptomatic relief, it does not address the underlying pathology of knee osteoarthritis. If non-surgical interventions, such as physical therapy and intra-articular injections, have been exhausted and the patient’s quality of life remains significantly compromised, knee replacement surgery represents a definitive treatment option. This procedure can provide lasting pain relief, improve joint function, and enable patients to return to activities they previously found difficult or impossible.”

Q: What are some of the biggest fears patients have before surgery, and how do you address them?

Research amongst people who had a hip or knee replacement found that found that prior to surgery, 56% of people cited concerns about the recovery period such as having to change their routine, recovery at home, the wait before returning to normal activity or post-surgical pain. However, in many cases these fears were unfounded with 42% of people stating they were surprised at how quickly they started to see progress and 25% of people felt they were able to maintain their independence with little support.

“Patients frequently express anxiety regarding the surgical procedure itself and the subsequent recovery period. We address these concerns through comprehensive pre-operative education, detailed explanations of the surgical technique, and realistic expectations regarding post-operative rehabilitation. We also emphasise the importance of proactive pain management strategies.” Mr Brady commented.

Q: What can patients do to ensure a smooth recovery?

“Having a strong support system of family and friends in place and not being afraid to ask questions of the healthcare team are key. Our research also shows that almost a third of patients manage feelings of anxiety, depression, or isolation during recovery by asking friends or family for help.” Mr Brady advises. “At Blackrock Health, we provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the recovery process, and we encourage patients to reach out to their support network for assistance.”

Q: What is the key takeaway for people experiencing persistent knee pain?

“If you have exhausted all non-surgical options for managing your knee pain, you should consult with your general practitioner, physiotherapist or a qualified orthopaedic specialist to explore the potential benefits of knee replacement surgery. At Blackrock Health, we are dedicated to restoring mobility and enhancing the quality of life for our patients.”

To learn more about knee replacement surgery visit Blackrock Health.

 About Blackrock Health

Blackrock Health, combining Hermitage, Blackrock, Galway and Limerick Clinics, employs more than 3000 staff and provides easy access for patients to 600 highly-skilled consultants in 50 medical specialties. Together, their hospitals have a total of 418 inpatient beds including 28 ICU beds and 22 operating theatres. Each of their hospitals deliver world-class clinical care and world-class comfort to their privately insured and self-paying patients. They cared for more than 360,000 patients last year. Blackrock Health’s hospitals have built strong reputations for delivering excellence in clinical care and a personal, patient-centred approach with access to cutting edge treatments and technology in modern facilities. They offer a full range of services in conveniently located hospitals where their focus is on putting patients first. Blackrock Health is part of Parma Health, a division of the Parma Group.

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