How Effective Are Knee Replacements? Patients Tell All

A survey conducted in February 2006 by the Consumer Reports National Research Center telephoned patients who had a hip and knee replacement and asked them about their experience.  The result of the survey found that the surgery had serious complications and it did not return patients to the state of perfect mobility.  It was also discovered that while most people stopped taking their pain medication after 2 months, 12% were still taking it after 1 year.  And one quarter of the knee patients said they still could not perform the more challenging tasks of walking a half-mile as late as 1 year after the knee replacement surgery.  Five percent reported getting an infection after surgery.  Thirteen percent suffered a seriously weakened or contracted muscle that in some cases needed additional surgery to correct.  Seven percent ended up with legs of unequal length, and 5% of all patients required another operation to correct problems caused by the first one.

Of course, sometimes knee replacement surgery is the only option.  But today, surgery has too often become a risky alternative especially since large studies have demonstrated that 40% patients with signs of osteoarthritis of the knee on x-ray have been satisfied with conservative treatment.

Knee replacements last 10-20 years depending on the prosthetic used, and if you have to get it redone a second time- it isn’t very pleasant.

Ask just about anyone who has had one knee replaced and they will tell you the rehabilitation is excruciating.

I had my left knee replaced 5 years ago, and I really did not want to do that again.  The Orthopedic doctor suggested that I get surgery on my other knee.  That’s when I came to see Dr. Schnee …she explained the (Cold Laser Knee) program to me and I got started with care. I thank God everyday that I did. What a blessing.

Don M., Ovilla, TX

After all, knee replacement surgery is always an option but once you go through with it there is no turning back.  Good or bad you’re stuck with the results.

If you live in the Dallas/FortWorth Metroplex and you’re searching for an effective, safe, painless and conservative treatment to help ease your knee pain and overall improve the quality of your life then call Dr. Alexandra Schnee’s office at 214-596-1051.  Or if you’d like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of the screen and a FREE Report will be mailed to you within 72 hours.

Article by Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”