In older populations, knee instability is a major risk. Knee instability occurs when the knee feels unstable, gives out, or locks up. This knee condition can sometimes be painful, but the symptoms will occur without soreness or discomfort. 

Knee instability is often caused by an underlying condition. Here’s what could be causing your knee’s inability to bear weight and whether knee replacement surgery is the answer.

What Causes Knee Buckling In Older Adults

There are several conditions that can cause knee instability in older people. These include:

• An Untreated Ligament Injury: There are several ligaments that work to stabilize the knee joint. An injury or tear to the ACL, MCL, and PCL could cause the knee to collapse or feel loose.

• Patellar Instability: The kneecap (patella) can slip out of its groove, causing your kneecap to feel unstable. This often leads to a dislocated knee joint.

• Knee Osteoarthritis: Arthritis can damage the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to a bone rubbing on bone. This can cause popping, clicking, or grinding in the joint as well as instability.

Of all these conditions, the most common cause of knee instability in people over the age of 60 is knee osteoarthritis. Older adults with knee instability are four times more likely to experience repeated falls and have balance issues.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis that occur alongside instability are:

• Pain

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Reduced Range of Motion

Unfortunately, there is no cure for knee osteoarthritis. Nonsurgical treatment options do exist for managing symptoms and slowing progression. However, if your arthritis is at the point where you are unable to move safely through your daily activities, it’s time to discuss knee replacement surgery with your orthopaedic physician. 

Can Knee Replacement Surgery Treat Your Instability?

A total knee replacement can restore knee stability and reduce your risk of fall-related injuries. During a knee replacement surgery, Dr. Cafferky and his expert team at The Steadman Clinic will perform the following steps:

• Make an incision along the knee, anywhere from six to ten inches long

• Move your kneecap to the side and remove the damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint

• Resurface the joint surfaces, preparing them for the implant

• Insert the implant, which will act as an artificial joint

• Bend and rotate the knee, ensuring the implant is functioning properly and providing full range of motion

The majority of knee replacement patients are able to return to the activities they love, pain-free. However, there are instances when knee instability can occur after your total knee replacement. This is known as implant failure and often occurs for one of two reasons:

1. The surrounding soft tissue in the knee is not supporting the implant, either because of the implant’s size or position.

2. The implant has reached the end of its 15-20 year lifespan, with fiction over the years causing the implant to loosen and wear down.

In both of these cases, Dr. Cafferky will recommend knee revision surgery. Learn more about this procedure here. 

Contact Team Cafferky to Discuss Knee Instability

Specializing in adult joint reconstruction, Dr. Cafferky and his team are the go-to orthopaedic knee experts in the High Rockies. Using the latest in innovative technologies, Dr. Cafferky ensures his knee replacement patients are able to reclaim their active lifestyles. 

To discuss your knee replacement options, contact Dr. Cafferky today! Request a consultation by calling (970) 476-1100 or complete the online appointment request form.