I’ve met more and more younger adults who have a knee replacement. I thought you had to be older before anyone would consider giving you a joint replacement. Is this changing?

Improved implant design and survivorship (how long it lasts) have made it possible for younger adults to have a joint replacement. There’s also a unicompartmental replacement that only replaces half of the joint.

The unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is gaining in popularity for younger, more active adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Surgeons who prefer the UKA say that results are similar to results for a total knee replacement (TKR). The advantages of the UKA include faster recovery with a shorter hospital stay. This means lower costs.

Studies also show better range of motion with a UKA. Improved motion with less pain makes it possible for these patients to resume sports and recreational activities.