The number of knee replacement operations taking place worldwide has risen rapidly, with a new study reporting a 130-fold increase in the procedure since 1985.

Researchers from Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland discovered that total knee replacement surgeries had risen from 0.5 per 100,000 people to 65 per 100,000, and partial knee replacements rose from 0.2 operations per 100,000 to ten per 100,000.

Knee replacement surgery is often used to treat osteoarthritis when other treatments have failed.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, with around 750,000 people suffering from the debilitating condition in Ireland, according to Arthritis Ireland.

The research was published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

An editorial in the same journa, says total knee replacement is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, with excellent outcomes for patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

Arthritis Ireland said knee replacement surgery has been on the rise here due to our ageing population coupled with rising levels of obesity - two of the primary causes of knee osteoarthritis.

"The outcomes for these surgeries are generally very positive and can dramatically improve the patient’s quality of life."