Is an artificial knee joint still recommended at the age of 75?

Quick answer: Whether an artificial knee joint is still the right choice in old age depends on several factors:

• Level of suffering
• Restriction of movement
• Difficulty walking
• Insecurity / risk of falling
• General state of health

Testimonial | Patient 72 years old

Interview with the former patient, Mr Luchsinger, on the use of an artificial knee joint by PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer.

The progression of osteoarthritis symptoms

Knee osteoarthritis can manifest itself differently in each patient over time. For most patients, the initial pain and pain on exertion are the main symptoms. Other patients notice the deformation of the knee joint into a bow leg or knock-knee with the resulting shortening of the affected leg. This puts more strain on other joints such as the back, hips or feet, which can lead to further overuse pain. Many patients also mention the uncertainty that the knee keeps buckling, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.

Disadvantages of taking medication all the time

Unfortunately, cartilage wear and tear increases steadily over the course of a person's life, resulting in the corresponding osteoarthritis symptoms. Because of the increasing osteoarthritis pain, some patients have to take painkillers, which can put a strain on the organs (liver, stomach, intestines and kidneys) in the long term.

Have conservative methods been exhausted?

If all conservative methods (including the Cellular Matrix) have been exhausted, are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee dominating your life and reducing your quality of life?

In this case, replacing the defective cartilage with an artificial one made of metal (surface replacement, artificial knee joint) could be the solution.

This protects the painful bone, the leg is straight again, the knee joint is stable and good mobility of the knee joint with full extension and flexion of 120° is possible again.

The thigh muscles can be trained again after an operation and walking is safe and significantly less painful.

When is the right time for a knee prosthesis?

Recommendation from PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer

Book a consultation appointment

We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.

Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is a recognised expert in knee problems and has extensive experience in the field of artificial knee joints and alternative treatment methods.

Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.

General Swiss insurance (basic health insurance) is sufficient for a consultation at our specialist centre.