Cementless Knee Replacement Could Last Longer
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective and predictable orthopedic procedures. Hundreds of thousands of patients have a knee replacement each year so they can enjoy life pain-free and get back to activities they’ve given up. Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen good outcomes with a newer type of “cementless” or uncemented knee replacement. There is reason to believe that this type of implant could last longer than traditional implants that require the use of bone cement. The traditional implant used in knee replacement generally lasts a long time—15 to 20 years—but it doesn’t last indefinitely. When the implant wears out or loosens, patients generally need a second knee replacement, known as a revision surgery. The cementless knee replacement could change that. In a standard knee replacement, the components of the implant are secured in the joint using bone cement. The technique has worked well for decades. But eventually, over time, the cement starts to loosen f