Advice

The decision of whether to replace the knee or hip joint first depends on your individual medical condition, the severity of joint pain and dysfunction, and the recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have significant pain and functional limitations in both your knee and hip joints, your surgeon will assess which joint is causing more distress and impacting your quality of life the most.

In certain situations, patients may experience more severe symptoms in a particular joint, making it the top priority for joint replacement surgery. By focusing on the most debilitating joint first, it can enhance mobility, alleviate pain and improve overall well-being. Addressing the more severe joint first can aid in participating in rehabilitation and recovery after surgery, which can be advantageous if there is a plan to undergo joint replacement for the other joint in the future.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the order of joint replacement may vary based on your unique condition and your surgeon’s evaluation. Your orthopedic surgeon will consider several factors when making this decision, including:

1. The severity of pain and dysfunction in each joint.
2. The impact of joint problems on your daily activities and quality of life.
3. Your overall health and medical history.
4. The results of imaging tests and joint function assessments.

Have an open and thorough discussion with your orthopedic surgeon about your symptoms, goals, and treatment options. They will help you understand the best course of action for your situation and may recommend a treatment plan that first addresses the joint causing the most significant impairment.