CHICAGO More than one-third of all Americans report being affected by knee pain. Knee replacement surgery can offer relief, but the implants only last between 12 and 15 years. Patients under the age of 40 aren’t usually considered good candidates for the procedure because they would need too many revision operations. Now there’s a simple surgery that’s saving knees in younger patients.
Today, nurse Kirstin Kent can walk, climb, and lift without a problem. A year ago, severe knee pain prevented her from doing her job.
Kent said, "I would go and sit in my office, and I wouldn’t get up much. I kept telling people I’m not lazy, I’m just in too much pain to get up and move."