Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Not by age alone. There is no age limit, and people in their 80s and even 90s often do well.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are no absolute age restrictions for a knee replacement, and the decision rests on pain and disability, not age.

People in their 80s gain much of the same pain relief and function as younger people. Some studies found the results about the same, and others found them slightly smaller. Most were still satisfied. In a Mayo Clinic series of people with an average age of 92, knee scores improved greatly.

The risks do rise with age, and they are mostly medical rather than problems with the knee itself. Older people more often have heart or lung problems, confusion, or a need for blood transfusion after surgery. They stay in the hospital longer and more often go to a rehabilitation facility before going home. Deaths, although uncommon, are more likely in older people. The risks climb more steeply after 90.

Frailty and other health problems predict trouble better than age does. People who are frail or have serious heart, lung or kidney disease have more complications at any age. Even so, one large study found that some risks rose after 80 in otherwise healthy people. Dementia, even mild, makes these problems more likely, including death.

These studies describe older people whom surgeons judged fit enough for surgery, so the risks across everyone that age may be higher.

People who have a knee replacement later in life are also much less likely ever to need a redo.

In general:

  • Age alone is not a reason to rule out a knee replacement.
  • Ask your physician whether your heart, lungs and overall strength are ready for surgery.
  • Plan for help at home or a short stay in rehabilitation.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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