Medical technology has come an incredibly long way in the last few decades. People who suffer from constant and severe joint pain have more options available than ever before to relieve pain and restore movement in their hips, elbows and knees. Joint replacement surgeries are increasing with younger patients than we have seen in the past. Many athletes are finding that years of abusing their joints have led to the need for a complete knee replacement. One of the questions that many patients ask is how much does a titanium knee prosthesis weigh?
Titanium is an elemental metal, which means it is not man-made. It is an extremely low density metal and does not corrode. Titanium has the lowest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, making it especially useful for medical applications. Pure titanium is as strong as steel but weighs about 45% less. As a strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant material, it is perfect for use in joint replacements. To build a knee prosthesis, the material is melted down and then cast into the components that will eventually form the replacement knee joint. But how much does a titanium knee replacement weigh?
The lightweight nature of titanium is actually one of the biggest benefits of using titanium. Although the weight of an individual knee replacement varies depending on the size of the knee and the patient, they only weigh a few pounds. Ultimately, there is no single answer to the question. The best question for your doctor might be how much MY titanium knee replacement weighs. Each prosthetic knee is individually constructed to the exact measurements of the recipient. Just as each person’s knees are different and unique, so is each titanium knee replacement.
If you are a candidate for knee surgery, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Will I be able to walk again? How long will my recovery be? Will I be limited in my activities? What types of physical therapy will I do?
While there have been great advances in medical technology, a successful outcome is determined by the patient’s attitude and willingness to perform the necessary therapy. In their experience, many doctors have somewhat low expectations for recovery and may not be very encouraging. It is up to the patient to find and follow an exercise program that has already shown proven results. Equally important is finding a coach or mentor who has a positive attitude toward recovering from knee surgery and can teach anyone the same mindset. Believing it can be done and working with someone who has already achieved the desired results is the key to returning to normal activities and remaining pain free.
