Knee surgery is common. Young adults have their anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed after tearing it when playing sports. Middle-aged people have parts of their meniscus trimmed when they have pain and limited knee mobility. And older people have their knees replaced by metal and plastic when their cartilage has worn out. The idea that there is something mechanically wrong that needs to be fixed with orthopaedic surgery is a compelling idea – but is it right?
Total joint replacement is the greatest orthopaedic innovation and has doubtless improved the lives of millions of people around the world. The rate of total knee replacement increased fourfold in Denmark over ten years, and is expected to continue to rise as the population gets older, more overweight and more physically inactive….