Ceramic Knee May Help Extend Joint's Life

Each year, more than 250,000 people have their knees replaced, usually seeking relief from the severe pain of arthritis. Since these artificial joints typically last 15 to 20 years, many patients in their 40s and 50s put off the surgery for fear that the new joint might wear out. But a new ceramic knee may last longer. CBS News health contributor Dr. Jordan Metzl explains about knee replacements.

The traditional knee replacements typically last about 15 to 20 years. How much longer does this new ceramic knee last?

We don't know for sure since the ceramic knee is only 3 years old and is still being tested. However, in theory, it should last anywhere from 5 to 10 years longer than the traditional knee replacements. So, it'll be interesting to see over time how well the ceramic knee holds up. I think it's important to mention that not everyone needs to rush out and get a ceramic knee just yet since these were only approved for use outside of clinical trials several months ago. However, it's certainly promising.

Is there a difference in price between the traditional knee and the ceramic knee?

The ceramic knee does cost a bit more right now. Just like new gadgets, new treatments usually cost a little more at first. We are seeing other hospitals across the country using the ceramic knee. But knee replacements are generally covered by health insurance and that should include the ceramic knee as well.

Why would someone need to get his or her knee replaced?

Knee replacements are a last resort for people with severe arthritis. Most people who develop arthritis have osteoarthritis, which comes on with age. The cartilage around the bones wears out and gets tough and causes pain. There's also rheumatoid arthritis, which is less common, and that happens when the membranes lining the joints become inflamed, causing pain, redness, and swelling. That leads to deterioration of the joint, pain, and restricted movement. So, if anti-inflammatory drugs or other therapies don't work and the pain is still there and is difficult to deal with, it may be time to consider knee replacement.

Are we seeing more osteoarthritis than before?

Well, we are. More Americans are getting older, especially those baby boomers who were active in their 20s and 30s and are now in their 40s and 50s. It's likely that many were runners or played sports or are even weekend warriors, and they've injured themselves in the past by tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other ligaments. Now that they're getting older, those injuries are coming back to haunt them.

Are there other joints in the body that might benefit from this new technology?

We've already seen this ceramic material used in hip replacement. We use a ceramic hip ball and socket that could prove to last as long as the patient since there's less force on the hip than on the knee.

If I' active, does this mean I'm going to get osteoarthritis and eventually need a knee replacement?

No. The key is prevention. You can be active throughout life, but you need to reduce your risk of getting injured. That includes making sure you warm up, work out, and cool down properly when exercising. If you're playing a sport and get injured, make sure you get it checked out. Remember, arthritis is a gradual disease so any sign of soreness, pain, or injury should be looked at early. You don't want to wait for it to disable you before you seek treatment.

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