8 Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a highly successful procedure. It provides substantial pain relief and has restored mobility for over 90% of patients. But delaying surgery can lead to complications that not only worsen your condition but also reduce the overall effectiveness of the procedure. In this post, we’ll walk you through the potential dangers of postponing knee replacement surgery.

Why You Should Have Your Knee Replacement Surgery Early

If you're considering knee replacement surgery, it's best to act sooner rather than later. Waiting too long can make recovery harder and limit the surgery's effectiveness. With approximately 700,000 TKR procedures performed annually in the United States, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), it’s important to know how timing can impact your outcomes. The longer you live with joint damage, the more your mobility declines, affecting your quality of life. Plus, research shows that over 90% of total knee replacements last well after 15 years, and 82% continue functioning after 25 years. In fact, delaying your knee replacement surgery could lead to worsening conditions that may affect your mobility and overall health.

“Getting the surgery early means you'll have more years of pain-free movement, making it easier to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Dr. Jeffrey J. Cherian (Joint Replacement Surgeon Lancaster Orthopedic Group)

8 Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are the dangers of waiting too long for knee replacement surgery.

1. Increased Pain and Stiffness

The most immediate effect of delaying knee surgery is the worsening of pain and stiffness. One study found that 55.49% of patients experienced increased joint pain after postponing total knee surgery. As the cartilage in your knee continues to wear down, the joint becomes more painful and harder to move. Everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing up become increasingly difficult. With each passing day, the damage progresses, making it even more challenging to address the problem later on.

2. Muscle Weakness

When your knee hurts, you’re likely to avoid physical activity, which in turn can lead to muscle weakness. The muscles around your knee, particularly your quadriceps and hamstrings, help support and stabilize the joint. When they weaken, the knee loses support, leading to further discomfort, instability, an, eventually, a noticeable drop in physical function. Studies show that patients who wait too long experience declining muscle strength, which makes recovery harder post-surgery.

3. Joint Damage

The longer you wait, the more damage occurs in the knee joint. Without a functioning cartilage cushion, your bones may rub against each other, causing them to wear down or deform. This can lead to more complicated issues in surgery, as your surgeon might have to correct more damage than initially expected. Over half of patients who delayed surgery experienced worsening damage, which ultimately affected their surgical outcomes.

4. Slower Recovery

If you delay surgery, not only do you risk worsening joint damage, but your recovery afterward may be slower and more difficult. With weakened muscles and further joint deterioration, it will take longer to regain strength and mobility post-surgery. This delay can lengthen the rehabilitation process, keeping you from getting back to daily activities and working as quickly as you might have otherwise.

5. Increased Risk of Complications

Delaying knee replacement surgery also increases the risk of complications such as infections, blood clots, and even heart issues. As your physical condition deteriorates, you become more vulnerable to these risks, which could make the surgery and recovery even more difficult. The body isn’t operating at its best when it’s constantly dealing with pain and inflammation, which makes it harder to bounce back after surgery.

6. Weight Gain

When knee pain limits your movement, you’re less likely to stay active. This can result in weight gain, as reduced physical activity means burning fewer calories. The extra weight adds more strain to your already damaged knee, creating a vicious cycle where more weight leads to more pain, and more pain leads to less movement. Also, excess weight gain can increase the risks associated with surgery and slow down recovery even more.

7. Bad Posture

Pain can lead to subtle changes in how you stand, sit, and move, often without you even noticing it. Poor posture can put extra strain on your knees, which worsens the pain and discomfort over time. You might unconsciously adjust your posture to avoid pain, but in doing so, you’re setting yourself up for new issues like back or hip problems, further limiting your mobility.

8. Higher Risk of Revision Surgery

The longer you wait, the more complex your knee replacement surgery can become. Studies show that delayed knee surgeries are associated with a higher likelihood of needing revision surgery within just a few months. This could mean facing another round of surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery — something you’d want to avoid altogether.

How to Manage Knee Pain While Waiting for Surgery

If your knee replacement surgery is delayed, managing pain becomes essential for maintaining your comfort and mobility. One effective method is applying warm or cold compresses for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication can also provide relief. Gentle exercises that build flexibility, ideally guided by a physical therapist, are also great. You might also consider using assistive devices like a knee brace or cane for support. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that worsen the pain reduces stress on the knee. More advanced options, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), can offer temporary relief by delivering mild electrical impulses to the skin. Hyaluronate injections can also help lubricate the joint and absorb shock. These strategies are temporary, so it's important to consult your doctor for a long-term plan.

Why Choose Lancaster Orthopedic Group for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Choosing the right provider for knee replacement surgery is important if you want the best outcomes. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group (LOG), our specialists take the time to understand your needs and create treatment plans that focus on your goals. We use advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive methods, which means less pain and getting back to your daily activities faster. Our outpatient surgery programs let you have your procedure in a comfortable setting, allowing you to recover at home for a better experience. We also offer non-surgical treatments like plasma injections and targeted cold therapy to help with joint function and pain relief. This ensures you receive the best options, whether you choose surgery or prefer non-invasive treatments. Our dedicated team will support you through every step of the pre- and post-operative process, providing the education and assistance you need for a smooth recovery. Reach out today to book an appointment and start your journey toward better mobility and pain-free life.