Younger Knee Replacements Worry Orthopedic Surgeons

Although knee replacement surgery is a commonly performed orthopedic procedure, it doesn't mean everyone can have it.

Knee replacement is a last-resort solution for badly damaged knees, generally due to osteoarthritis and previous injuries.

A recent survey shows that younger and younger patients (50s, 40s, and 30s) are requesting this invasive operation, even though artificial knees weren't originally intended for patients of such a young age.

Obesity might be to blame for this new trend.

Dr. Jarkko Leskinen, an orthopedic surgeon at the Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland, told BBC News, “It is worrying because we do not know the longevity of the replacements in younger patients. We may face problems in the near future because of this.”

To learn more, read the full article: Knee Replacement on the Rise in Younger Patients