Age alone is no bar to surgery. Older and younger people benefit equally, as long as they are generally healthy to start. However, people under 60 are encouraged to delay total knee replacement if they can.

The reason? Artificial joints have a limited life span. Assuming an average level of physical activity, you can expect today's joint implants to last 15 to 20 years—sometimes longer. However, if you are overweight or more physically active than average, your new joint will face additional stress and may wear out faster.

Ideally, you want your first knee replacement to be your last. Given the average life span for Americans, most older adults who get a new knee will not need to have it replaced.

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