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Better treatment and lower costs: Health monitoring after hip and knee joint replacement Overview
  • Better treatment and lower costs: Health monitoring after hip and knee joint replacement
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- 23.03.2026 - 08:49 

New publication in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal

Key Message 

Knee arthroplasty procedures continue to increase across OECD countries, but at a slower pace than previously expected. At the same time, the patient profile is shifting fundamentally: procedures are increasingly performed in younger age groups, who now account for the majority of cases. 

Background 

How are orthopaedic procedures evolving over time, and which factors are driving these changes? As part of a research series, the University of St. Gallen analyzes current trends in joint replacement across OECD countries. Following the analysis of hip arthroplasty (Backes et al.; 2025), the focus now shifts to knee replacement. While earlier studies projected strong growth, new data up to 2022 reveal an updated picture. In addition to technological progress and demographic change, external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly influenced recent developments. 

Study & Design 

The study is based on an analysis of international routine data: 

  • Analysis of 25 OECD countries over the period 2005–2022 

  • Use of OECD data complemented by national data sources 

  • Stratification by age groups (≤64 vs. ≥65 years) 

  • Comparison of growth dynamics over time and across countries 

  • Additional analyses of potential drivers such as obesity 

Results 

In 2022, approximately 1.85 million knee arthroplasty procedures were performed across the analyzed countries, with growth moderating compared to earlier periods. The age distribution has shifted, with younger patients now accounting for more than half of all procedures. At the same time, cross-country differences are narrowing. After a pandemic-related decline in 2020, procedure volumes have largely recovered. 

Implications for Practice & Policy 

The findings point to a structural shift in demand for knee arthroplasty. Health systems will need to adapt planning and care models to a growing share of younger, often working-age patients. At the same time, the results highlight the role of risk factors such as obesity, which are associated with higher utilization, and underline the importance of preventive strategies to manage future demand. 

Publication 

Title: Utilization rates of knee arthroplasty in OECD countries revised 

Published in: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 

Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2026.03.002

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