Commonly used to address severe pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumas, knee replacement surgery is sometimes referred to as knee arthroplasty. When knee joint deterioration is severe, surgery can significantly improve mobility and quality of life. Postponing this procedure, particularly if a physician has recommended it, might worsen the patient's overall health and knee condition and lead to other problems. The following is a summary of the primary hazards associated with postponing knee replacement surgery.

1. Increased Pain and Discomfort

• One of the primary reasons patients seek knee replacement surgery is to alleviate chronic pain caused by arthritis or joint degradation. Delaying surgery worsens pain and suffering by accelerating the knee joint's degeneration. Even with medication, this pain may ultimately become intolerable and significantly affect daily activities including walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from a seated position.

2. Loss of Function and Mobility

• As knee injuries grow, patients often experience a decline in their ability to do daily tasks. Joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, and weakening of the knee muscles make movement more difficult. The longer the procedure is delayed, the more likely it is that the knee joint would lose its functional capacity, making rehabilitation more challenging. Sometimes, following surgery, muscles might become so weak that they can no longer fully support the joint.

3. Muscle Atrophy and Weakness

• When a knee joint is severely wounded, people often limit their movement to avoid discomfort. Over time, muscle atrophy may occur, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings, which are crucial for knee stability. The muscles may get more weaker if surgery is postponed, which might make recovery from the procedure more challenging.

4. Joint Deformity and Alignment Issues

• Individuals with persistent knee pain and dysfunction could try to make up for the discomfort by changing their gait and posture. This aberrant movement may cause abnormalities in the knee joint, such as abnormal leg bending or knee bends. These changes in joint alignment might make the procedure more difficult and increase the risk of issues during and after the procedure. 

5. Increased Risk of Fall and Injury

• Stability and balance can be compromised by a degenerating knee joint, increasing the risk of accidents and falls. This should be of particular concern to older people who may already be at a higher risk of falling due to osteoporosis or other medical conditions. After knee replacement surgery, other fall-related injuries including sprains or fractures might make recovery more difficult or take longer.

6. Worsening of Underlying Conditions

• Osteoarthritis, the condition causing the knee discomfort, may worsen with time and injure the joint and surrounding tissues further. Delaying surgery might make it more challenging since it could exacerbate related symptoms like inflammation and joint edema. For example, chronic inflammation can harm the soft tissues around the knee, increasing the difficulty of surgery and lengthening the recovery period.

7. Increased Difficulty in Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

• Surgery recovery may be more challenging for patients who postpone the treatment for a long time. When knee function declines after surgery, it becomes more difficult to regain full range of motion. The longer the joint has been impacted, the more extensive the therapy required to restore full mobility. This might lead to longer recovery periods and a lower overall surgical success rate.

8. Mental and Emotional Health Strain

• Chronic pain and limited mobility can have a significant influence on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Significant knee joint problems are often associated with a worse quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Postponing surgery may make these adverse effects worse, leading to emotional distress and social and psychological deterioration. 

9. More Complex Surgery and Higher Risk of Complications

• As the condition of the knee joint worsens, the actual procedure could become more challenging. For example, if there is significant bone loss or deformity, the surgeon may need to perform a more extensive treatment, increasing the risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, or nerve damage. Additionally, if the knee joint is excessively worn or deformed, it may not fit the prosthesis as well, which might lead to problems with alignment or stability of the implant after therapy.

10. Lower Overall Quality of Life

• Persistent knee problems and the inability to do everyday tasks like walking, exercising, or even socializing can cause a substantial decline in overall quality of life. Delaying surgery makes the pain worse and can have long-term negative impacts on a person's physical and emotional health.

Conclusion :

The hazards of delaying this procedure usually outweigh the potential advantages, even if some people may be reluctant to have knee replacement surgery because they are concerned about the procedure, the recovery time, or the cost. The development of a knee injury can lead to greater discomfort, decreased mobility, muscular weakness, irregularities in the joint, and an increased risk of falls and other mishaps.