Episode 20: Total Knee Joint Replacements - the What, When, How & Why: Part 1

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in Australia. An estimated 2.2 million Australians have this condition, and whilst it affects people of all ages, the prevalence increases sharply from the age of 45 years. 1 in 5 Australians (22%) over the age of 45 have osteoarthritis with the number increasing to just over a third in adults aged 75 and over. Hip and knee joint replacement is often the recommended surgical intervention for those suffering severe pain associated with end stage OA. Joint replacement has been shown to be a clinically effective treatment for severe osteoarthritis, which is just as well, because approximately 100,000 hip and knee replacements are performed in Australia every year. Whilst Total Knee Joint Replacements (TKJR) do so often completely change a person's quality of life for the better (much better), no doubt it is a big operation, and with it comes some nervousness and hesitancy on behalf of the patient - understandably. But a lot of this nervousness and hesitancy stems from lack of in depth knowledge about the surgery and its effectiveness! So today we chat to leading Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Chris Jones, about all things knee replacements. As the Podcast title suggests, we discuss WHAT a knee replacement is, WHEN it should be performed, HOW the surgery is actually performed, and WHY it is necessary for so many people. Plus there's a stack more information for anyone suffering OA of the knee, and is a "must listen" for anyone who is considering, or has been recommended, a Total Knee Joint Replacement. In fact, Mr Jones had so much invaluable information that we broke this podcast into two! By the end of the two part series, all your questions about TKJR should be answered. And if you are suffering pain and OA issues with your hip, much of the information in this two part podcast is just as relevant.