Knee Replacements Running Strong For 20 Years

Even for people who jog or play tennis, knee replacements hold up strong for more than 20 years, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The Los Angeles Times reports that researchers evaluated 128 people (average age of knee replacement was 63) 20 years after their operation. The study found that almost all of the patients had good physical function; most could walk at least five blocks, and half said they had “unlimited” walking ability. All but two could walk up and down stairs, and none of the patients had experienced an implant failure. HealthDay reports that even those patients who failed to follow doctors’ advice and participated in hard-impact sports — such as jogging, volleyball and tennis — some with both knees replaced, had no problems with their new knees.

Read more in the Los Angeles Times.