Teen Knee surgery used to be something of an anomaly.
Very rarely aside from a select few cases where it was absolutely necessary.
Back in the day, you’d be assigned a protocol called “R.I.C.E” when a knee injury came your way.
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Throw in a side of physical therapy and this treated many patient cases.
Currently, we’re seeing a new trend.
One that could likely be extremely harmful long term for the patients.
This trend is treating a teens knee problem with invasive surgery.
Without weighing in on the matter with our regenerative medicine ideals in mind, let’s think about this for a moment.
Except in extreme cases, is it a good idea to have children as young as thirteen years old undergo this kind of surgery?
Most evidence points to this question being a flat out “No!”
Not only (depending on the surgery) can it alter their bodies ability to grow, it can leave them with negative consequences that will follow them for the rest of their lives.
Most people who have knee surgery will at some point need a replacement.
The “hardware” that is placed in and affixed to the knee will wear out.
So what’s the lifespan of a knee replacement?
On average, many last from as little as three years to as much as fifteen years.
This is dependant upon the patients level of activity and in our case, if we’re dealing with a child we WANT them to be active.
To be able to run around, play, ride bikes, join a school sport.
When they’re faced with a knee surgery at such a young age, these options are taken out of the equation in many cases.
“Well, what if the replacement lasts for 15+ years? That’s not so bad!”
Isn’t it though?
If a teen at the age of thirteen were to have a similar knee surgery and it lasted for fifteen years they would then have to get another surgery at 28.
A time in their lives when they should be working, starting families, exploring, and having fun.
Maybe the replacement lasts another fifteen years.
So at the ripe age of 43 you’re telling me you would want yet another replacement?
This is the problem we’re talking about when we say “life long consequences”.
Not only are more surgeries and treatments on the horizon, they’ll become more frequent and more complicated.
Although there isn’t much evidence at the moment when it comes to stem cell treatments for children, we’re sure that an invasive surgery isn’t the best option either.
Kids have an uncanny ability to heal their wounds.
Their bodies are young and full of life’s energy.
Consult a Doctor of course, but ask them about the R.I.C.E method, physical therapy, and other alternatives before they try to prescribe your child a surgery.
They may thank you the rest of their lives for it.
