Medical technology has come an incredibly long road in recent decades. People who suffer from constant and severe joint pain have more options available than ever to relieve pain and restore movement to the 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 joint abuse have required a total knee replacement. One of the questions many patients ask themselves is how much does a titanium knee replacement weigh?
Titanium is an elemental metal, which means that 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 all metals, making it especially useful for medical applications. Pure titanium is as strong as steel but weighs approximately 45% less. As a strong, lightweight, and corrosion resistant material, it is perfect for use in gasket replacements. To build a prosthetic knee, the material is melted and then poured into the components that will eventually make up 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 knee replacement is individually built 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 last? 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 attitude of the patient and their willingness to perform the necessary therapy. In your experience, many physicians 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 knee surgery recovery and who 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 getting back to normal activities and staying pain free.