4 Things To Know About Knee Replacement Surgery

One of the biggest disadvantages of getting older involves the body beginning to wear down. The knees are typically one of the first body parts that may require surgery. It's not uncommon for many people to require knee surgery with age. If this is necessary for you, it's ideal to know some specific things about knee replacement surgery.

Types of Knee Replacements

The precise condition of your knee will determine the type of replacement that your doctor will recommend. If your knee is in the worst possible shape, you may need to get a full knee replacement. On the other hand, it's still in fairly good shape, but causing you some discomfort, you may only require a partial knee replacement.

Additionally, there are different brands of replacement materials that may be used.

The Durability

If you go to all the expense and trouble of getting either a partial or complete knee replacement, you will want to know how long it will last. Studies indicate that either of these knee surgeries should last at least 20 years and in some cases even longer.

It's important to get in the necessary amount of exercise each day to help your knee replacement last as long as possible.

Chances of Success

The good news is that 85% of people who have this surgery completed are successful. Being able to get rid of pain and live a healthier and fuller life is the reason most people choose this type of surgery.

Additionally, the average age of getting a knee replaced is 70 years old. However, some people may require this operation well before this age.

The Cost

The first thing you may ask your doctor before getting a knee replacement surgery is the cost of doing so. The average expense of this type of operation is $35,000. It's important to have health insurance that may assist with some of these costs if you need to a knee surgery. If your doctor orders this procedure for you, it's highly likely your insurer will cover some of the costs of it.

The benefits of having knee surgery are many if you want to feel your best and stay as active as possible throughout your life. Be sure to consult with an orthopedic surgeon like Northern Maine Medial Center to get the full details of what to expect before, during and after this important type of surgery for the best results. 

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