What Is the Average Age for a Knee Replacement?

Key Takeaways

• The average age for knee replacement procedures is between 60 and 70 years old, but each situation is unique. 
• Individual factors, such as pain levels, activity goals, efficacy of alternative therapies, and medical history, can impact the ideal time to get the surgery.
• By scheduling their surgery at the proper time, patients can achieve better pain relief, increased mobility, and long-term implant success.
• Consulting an orthopedic specialist as soon as you notice knee complications is the best way to know if and when a knee replacement procedure should be performed.

Determining the Right Time for Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery can be a favorable, life-changing decision for people struggling with chronic pain and stiffness that limits their mobility. However, deciding when to undergo this procedure takes a lot of forethought to ensure optimal results and minimize the chances of needing a revision down the line.

The average age for knee replacement procedures hovers between 60 and 70 years old, which is similar to the average age for hip replacements. Although age often plays a role, it is not the sole factor that determines the ideal time for a knee implant.

Due to the individualized nature of surgical decisions like this, your medical provider should assess your joint condition, lifestyle goals, and other aspects of your health journey to determine when you should schedule your surgery. 

You can promote informed decision-making by reading through the guide below, which breaks down the average age for knee replacement surgery, the benefits of properly timing this procedure, preparation tips, and more.

How Knee Health Changes Over Time

As you age, your complex, weight-supporting knee joint will naturally wear down. As the cartilage that cushions the surrounding bones begins to thin, movement may become stiffer and more painful, ultimately warranting a knee replacement surgery.

Some of the most common causes of knee deterioration are:

• Osteoarthritis – This condition is the most frequent cause of joint degeneration and is characterized by cartilage loss and bone-on-bone friction.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – This form of arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune condition, since the body targets the area, inflaming and damaging the joint tissue.
• Post-traumatic arthritis – Sometimes, arthritis can be the result of fractures, ligament tears, or other knee injuries that happened earlier in life.

• Injury history – Even if arthritis does not form, trauma or repeated stress from sports can damage cartilage and ligaments around the knee joint.
• Excess weight – Added pressure on knee joints has been known to accelerate degeneration and lead to complications.
• Genetics – Family history can significantly influence someone’s joint health and their susceptibility to arthritis.

As degeneration advances, patients may reach a point where conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or joint injections, are no longer able to provide sufficient relief. In this case, surgery may be the most realistic and practical option.

Typical Ages for Knee Replacement Surgery

After analyzing 18,000 procedures conducted over a one-year period, a study found that the average age for knee replacement surgery was 69 years old in 2013. Although the most common age for total knee replacement surgeries remains between 60 and 70 years old, the age range is shifting as joint conditions become more prevalent in younger individuals and surgical elements have evolved.

Trends in Younger and Older Patients

While the average age for knee replacement is around the late 60s, there has been an increase in knee replacement surgeries for people under 55 years old, often attributed to early-onset osteoarthritis or injury. Although implant quality and surgical techniques have improved significantly over the years, younger patients may still require revision surgery later in life.

Balancing out the uptick in younger people undergoing knee replacements, older patients over the age of 75 have also increasingly turned to this type of orthopedic surgery, thanks to advances in anesthesia and surgical safety that have made the process more accessible.

As a result of the trends mentioned above, more younger patients have been able to maintain active lifestyles, and older patients have been able to preserve their independence and mobility.

Top Five Factors That Influence Timing

Generally, the ideal time for surgery is when the patient’s pain, stiffness, or functional limitations begin to outweigh the benefits of waiting. Most joint specialists use the five factors below to help determine optimal surgical timing for their patients.

1. Severity of Joint Damage

Patients with severe cartilage loss or bone deformities often experience persistent pain and limited motion, which are both signs that surgical intervention may be necessary. 

To determine the extent of your deterioration, work with your medical provider to schedule imaging studies, such as X-rays and MRIs, which provide an inside look at the condition of your joints.

2. Lifestyle and Activity Goals

Highly active individuals often opt for surgery early in an effort to preserve mobility for activities such as sports, travel, or work. For less active individuals with manageable pain, delaying surgery may be preferable, assuming their daily activities are unaffected.

3. Medical History and Comorbidities

Even though the functionality of your joints is essential, surgeons must take a look at your overall health to determine if and when you should get a knee replacement. Aside from various forms of arthritis, some conditions that may affect surgical readiness are:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity 
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Lung conditions such as asthma

4. Pain and Quality of Life

Over time, persistent discomfort in your knee joint can limit mobility and make even simple movements feel exhausting. Suppose pain is affecting multiple areas of your life, like disrupting restful sleep, daily tasks, work, and social activities. In that case, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery, regardless of your age.

5. Response to Non-Surgical Treatments

Some examples of alternative therapies that patients may try before resorting to surgery are:

• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy

When the approaches above and medications no longer offer meaningful relief, surgical replacement typically becomes the next step.

Benefits of Timing Surgery Appropriately

Deciding to undergo knee replacement surgery at the right time can offer numerous advantages. Some examples of immediate and long-term benefits include:

• Pain relief – Replacing damaged joint surfaces can address chronic pain and help patients regain comfort. In turn, it may be easier to walk, climb stairs, and perform other everyday activities.
• Mobility & independence – By improving your range of motion, a well-timed knee surgery can restore freedom in daily life, enabling you to perform low-impact exercises, work tasks, and some of your favorite hobbies again.
• Longevity of the implant – Since most modern implants last around 15-25 years, depending on activity level and body weight, performing surgery at the right time can help eliminate the need for a knee replacement revision later.
• Improved mental health and confidence – Chronic pain often contributes to frustration, anxiety, and depression. By relieving chronic pain, you may be able to restore emotional well-being and build the motivation to stay active.

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Taking proactive steps before surgery can reduce complications and improve the recovery process. Focusing on the following preparatory elements can enhance your surgical outcome.

Physical Conditioning

Strengthening the muscles around your knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can help stabilize the joint after surgery. Therefore, with your surgeon’s approval, you should try targeted pre-knee replacement exercises like:

• Leg lifts
• Lower body stretches
• Stationary cycling
• Gentle water aerobics or aquatic therapy

Medical Evaluation

Surgical teams are expected to conduct comprehensive evaluations. Some standard components of these evaluations may include:

• Blood tests
• An electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Medical imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs

It is essential to note that any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, must be well-managed before surgery to minimize risks.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Many medical providers agree that maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to protect your new knee implant. Some individuals may benefit from working with a professional to implement dietary and exercise-related changes to achieve modest weight loss. Doing so can reduce pressure on knee joints and accelerate healing.

Home Preparation

Before surgery, consider making minor changes to your home, such as:

• Installing grab bars
• Clearing walking paths
• Arranging a comfortable recovery area downstairs

When to Consult a Specialist

If knee complications are disrupting your daily life, it’s recommended that you consult with an orthopedic specialist to explore your options for relief. Signs that suggest it’s time for a consultation include:

• Persistent pain despite medication or therapy efforts
• Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs
• Mobility restrictions are interfering with everyday activities
• Stiffness worsens after a period of rest or sleep

During your consultation, your surgeon will likely assess your symptoms and review your imaging results before discussing treatment options with you. Collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, primary care providers, and physical therapists ensures that your care plan supports long-term success and optimal outcomes.

Timing Knee Replacement Surgery

While data suggests that the average age for knee replacement is around 65, the decision should never hinge solely on numbers. For example, a 55-year-old with severe pain and limited mobility may benefit from earlier intervention, while a 70-year-old managing well might be able to delay for a couple more years.

The three key principles that impact timing are:

1. Pain – Is your pain persistent and substantially affecting your quality of life?
2. Function – Are you significantly struggling with mobility or independence?
3. Response to treatment – Have non-surgical options become less effective?

Keep in mind that patients who schedule surgery before joint damage becomes severe often experience faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. Waiting too long may lead to muscle atrophy and decreased range of motion, which can make rehabilitation more challenging.

Finding the Right Path to Knee Replacement

While the average age for knee replacement surgery can serve as a helpful reference, the decision ultimately depends on the patient’s pain levels, lifestyle goals, and other individualized factors, meaning every patient is bound to have a unique journey. 

By consulting an experienced orthopedic surgeon, such as Dr. Shane Martin, as early as possible, you can make it easier to identify and select the right time for surgery. The highly experienced team at the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale is ready to help you take the next step forward toward lasting relief and restored mobility.

Our medical professionals can provide personalized assessments and evidence-based treatment plans to help you make confident decisions about knee replacement surgery. Then, when it is time for your procedure, we will take a minimally invasive approach using tools like the CORI surgical system to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.

Contact the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale to schedule an initial consultation to discuss the right time for your knee replacement surgery.