Choosing when to have knee replacement surgery is an important decision that requires weighing multiple factors. The ideal timing depends on your specific circumstances, goals, and preferences. This article provides an overview of considerations for choosing the optimal month for knee replacement surgery.
Winter Months
Some surgeons recommend scheduling knee replacement surgery during the winter months (December, January, February). There are a few potential advantages to having surgery during this time:
- Lower risk of infection – Colder weather may mean lower bacteria levels in the operating room.
- More recovery time indoors – Icy, snowy weather outside makes it easier to stay home and focus on recovery.
- Less crowded hospitals – Elective surgeries tend to be scheduled less during the holidays.
- Meeting deductible – If your insurance plan is on a calendar year, you may have already met your deductible for the year.
However, winter weather brings its own challenges. Icy conditions raise your risk of falling outside after surgery. Cold, dry air can irritate your lungs. The winter holidays may make it difficult to find support. There is also a risk of weather delays for your surgery date.
Spring Months
March, April, and May are also common months for knee replacement surgery. The weather is improving, which can lift your mood. Springtime allows easier access to outside spaces during your recovery. However, as the weather warms, higher pollen counts could irritate your lungs after surgery. Scheduling around spring holidays and school breaks can also be tricky.
Summer Months
Surgeons tend to recommend avoiding the hottest summer months of June, July, and August for knee replacement surgery. The risks and disadvantages tend to outweigh the benefits of summer surgery, including:
- Higher risk of infection – Bacteria thrive in hot, humid weather.
- Thicker blood – Dehydration and heat thicken blood, increasing clot risks.
- Staff shortages – Doctors, nurses, and other providers often take vacations.
- Limited therapy – Heat makes activity and exercise more difficult.
- Higher pain – Joint swelling and pain may increase in hot weather.
However, if you have flexibility in your schedule, some people may prefer scheduling surgery in early summer after school ends. This allows more time for recovery before the next school year starts.
Fall Months
September, October, and November are popular months for knee replacement surgery. The weather is cooling down while still permitting outdoor activity. Kids are back in school and physicians are less likely to be on vacation. Facilities are often less crowded after the summer rush. However, you may need to consider costs if your insurance deductible resets each fall.
Ideal Months for Recovery Conditions
While each season has pros and cons, research suggests the early fall may offer the optimal recovery conditions following knee replacement surgery. A 2017 study in the Journal of Arthroplasty reviewed over 20,000 knee replacements. It found that surgeries performed in September and October had the lowest rates of complications and readmissions. The study authors suggest the seasonal effects may be related to weather, humidity, allergens, viruses, staffing, and other factors.
Talk to Your Surgeon
The ideal month for your knee replacement depends significantly on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to discuss the options with your orthopedic surgeon. Provide input on your schedule, support availability, vacation plans, insurance coverage, and other considerations. Your doctor can then help advise you on the pros and cons of different months.
Plan Ahead
Knee replacement surgery often involves a waiting period of several weeks or longer for an available appointment. Make sure to plan the timing of your surgery well in advance to get the month you prefer. If your schedule is flexible, provide your surgeon with a range of months when you could reasonably have the surgery performed.
Have Realistic Expectations
While the month of surgery can influence your recovery conditions, your outcomes ultimately depend more on your overall health, following your doctor’s instructions, and participating in rehabilitation. Don’t let pursuit of an ideal month delay surgery you need. A well-performed knee replacement can greatly improve your mobility and quality of life, regardless of the season.
Conclusion
Planning knee replacement surgery during the early fall months may offer the optimal chance for smooth recovery with fewer complications. However, you need to balance considerations such as your schedule, insurance coverage, weather preferences, and surgeon availability. Discuss your specific situation with your doctor to select the best timing for successful joint replacement surgery and get you moving again.
| Month | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| January | Lower infection risk, less crowded hospitals | Potential weather delays, less rehabilitation support |
| April | Moderate temperatures, improving mood | Higher pollen counts |
| August | Time for recovery before school year | Higher infection risk, staff shortages |
| October | Mild weather, lower complication rates | Potential insurance deductible resets |