How long does TKR last?

Don't delay having a TKR because it will eventually wear out. Today they are expected to last at least 15 years provided you respect that you have one & dont try to be an athlete. By the time you need another technology will have improved so that knees will probably last 25 or 30 years. At your age 2 TKRs will be max. Good luck.

Susan I know exactly how you're feeling, I'm only 36 and too had to wait until my leg was in such a state, it could no longer take my weight. I was then told by everyone who saw it that it was the worst they'd ever seen.

I won't bore you with my story but suffice to say, my TKR was very complicated and had various bits put in it, with my shin having extra support put through it. (I am 17 weeks post) I have been told that it will be difficult to carry out a further revision as essentially it's like I'm already on my third. I have been told that I should get approx 15 years out of this one.

I refuse to focus on the negative and consider what will happen in the future as that will not help me get the best from my life. I have further surgery next month to straighten the leg as its far too bent now (if it doesn't straighten then my immediate outlook is it will continue to bend until I can no longer use the leg). I am determined that it will be a success. I'm not going to let this beat me after everything I've been through.

My advice to you would be to push it all out of your mind. Continue to look after your knee with exercises and get on with everything you've missed out over the last 11 years. You deserve it. Medical advancements will be astounding in 20 years time....I'll be the guinea pig for anything they want to try x

That's a tricky one I guess. Most say average ten years for new joints but some last a lot longer. Not sure if we can do anything to help them last but guess will be delaying repeat for as long as poss. My hope is that if and when I need another one eg in ten years or more they will be even more advanced and won't be needing a third! Let's manage the present for now the future will take care of itself . At least we can all agree to meeting up again on this forum in ten years time

Unfortunately this was the main reason I opted to go private! I'm lucky that I have the cover through my employer but still had to fork out the excess!

I was 51 and have suffered for years also having hone through the injections and the arthroscopy which my consultant said afterwards probably did me no favours as in his opinion it agrivated the osteoarthritis but he still dragged his heels because of my age! Went private and my consultant totally agreed I heed quality of life now not in 20 yrs time! Fortunately the osteoarthritis has been confined to my inner knee joint which meant I've had partial knee replacement still I am told it should see me the next 10-15 years!!! 

Hi Susan. I'm 5 week into my op too and I'm 58. Like you I was fobbed off at first with injections/physio until I could barely walk. My surgeon said if I'm sensible and don't "overuse " the knee knee it could still last 15-20 yrs. he too said a younger person will use it more than older person therefore wear It out quicker but all I want to do is be able to walk without pain and therefore enjoy life , I will still be able to go back to the gym, swimming and Zumba but will leave out the running or rowing machine I reckon I can still have a fun active life without doing any high impact activities and at the end of the day it's quality of life NOW that matters. Il be happy to sit knitting in another 25 yr no doubt but now I want to live xxxx