I am representing a 45 year old woman who underwent a unicompartmental knee joint replacement following an auto accident. Although the replacement was made 18 mos. ago, she's still complaining about inability to stand & walk for extended periods. As she is only 45, can she reasonably expect to have follow-up replacement surgeries due to normal wear and tear on the prosthesis? I've heard the total knee joint replacements last only 10 years... is this the same for the partial joint replacements as well? Is the uniknee redone, or do you have to go to a total joint replacement next time? Would appreciate any links to expected lifespans of these implants. Thanks.

-- James Malys (jmalys@usachoice.com), September 04, 2003