Myths and Facts About Total Knee Replacement

Today, crores of Indians are suffering from one or another type of knee problem. The majority of them are above 50 years of age. In addition to that, most of the patients need Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery. 

Knee problems are increasing in India. Individuals still tolerate the pain rather than going through knee replacement surgery because of the myths about the knee replacement surgery, as well as life after surgery. 

During knee replacement surgery, arthritic or damaged joint parts are removed and replaced with artificial implants, which could be constructed from ceramic, metal, or plastic. This replacement movement is typical of a healthy, normal joint. Surgeons have carried out these operations for years, if not decades. 

Even though surgery may be a good course of treatment, many patients are discouraged from considering it because of misconceptions about it. Here in this blog, we will debunk some of the most common myths about total knee replacement surgery. This will help you in making a wise decision for your health. 

Myth 1. Knee replacement is for older people 

Fact: It is a very common misconception among the masses that knee replacement surgery can only be for the elderly. Individuals of any age, whether an athlete or an individual suffering from a medical problem, may have problems in the knee joint. Knee conditions are becoming widespread among younger adults due to the lifestyle of physical inactivity, obesity, trauma, and osteoarthritis. 

Apart from that, age doesn't decide if the person should or shouldn't have a knee replacement surgery. It is all about the severity of the knee condition. Also, about the level of pain the person has, and how it affects daily life. Surgery is generally recommended when the knee condition is worse and other treatments like medication, therapy, and injections have not worked. 

Myth 2. Knee replacement surgery is very risky 

Fact: Another very common myth is probably that knee replacement surgery is very risky. There is a little risk involved in any surgery, while the risk for complications in knee replacement surgery is very low. That being said, knee replacement surgery does carry some risks, such as infection, blood clot, and failure of the implant etc. 

However, these risks are very rare and can be prevented with proper pre-operative planning, surgical technique, and post-operative care. The risks of knee replacement surgery have been significantly reduced due to the most advanced surgical techniques and technologies.

Methods like computer-assisted or robot-assisted operations have increased accuracy by lowering the chance of implant failure. It is also suggested to opt for the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi NCR for assured results. 

The success rate of knee replacement surgery is 95%. The artificial knee implants function even after 20 years. The success rate of knee replacement surgery mainly depends on the severity of the issue, such as the general health of the patient, post-operative care, and the quality of implants. 

Myth 3. Knee replacement surgery can be avoided 

Fact: Most people with serious knee issues and mobility impairments might think that knee replacement surgery can be avoided as long as possible and only resorted to as a last option. Knee replacement surgery must not be delayed. Since delaying surgery too long can result in further complications and an extended recovery period. 

In most cases, delaying total knee replacement surgery leads to increased damage to the joints, increasing the complexity of the surgery, and diminishing the chances of success. Postponing surgery can also lead to increased pain and limited movement, diminishing the patient's quality of life. 

Therefore, people who have chronic knee conditions should visit a qualified orthopedic surgeon in order to evaluate the condition and the general health of the patient and to suggest the most appropriate treatment. 

Myth 4. It is difficult to sit on the floor or bend the knee after knee replacement surgery. 

Fact: It is a common misconception that bending the knee after a replacement is difficult, but this is not true. The truth is that post-operative rehabilitation, the implants used, and the quality of the surgery all play a major role. The artificial implants offer the same range of motion as a natural joint. 

Myth 5. The implants will wear out in 10 years 

Fact: This myth is based on outdated information. Earlier, knee implants were made of wear-and-tear-prone materials, leading to shorter life spans. However, with improvements in medical technologies, knee replacement parts are made from extremely durable materials like metal and ceramic that can easily last for decades with good maintenance and care. 

In fact, most people have successful knee replacement results lasting more than 25 years. The longevity of a knee implant varies with several factors, such as the patient's weight, age, level of activity, and general health. Besides these, following post-surgery instructions and follow-up visits to the orthopedic surgeon help determine the lifespan of knee implants. 

Myth 5. Knee replacement surgery is very expensive 

Fact: The cost of knee replacement surgery may be a big concern for many patients. However, they also need to understand that the knee replacement cost in India is lower than throughout the world. 

Moreover, your treatment cost for knee replacement surgery will be based on various factors such as your location, severity of the damage, surgical procedure, medical condition, and the material choice for the implants. 

Myth 6. Knee replacement surgery is not recommended for diabetic, BP, or heart patients 

Fact: Now, if you have cardiac issues or high blood pressure, having surgery is no longer an issue. These days, a thorough pre-anesthetic examination is given to every patient having replacement surgery. Before surgery, a number of tests are performed to evaluate cardiac function, including echocardiogram, dobutamine stress echocardiography, thallium stress echocardiography, etc. 

Myth 7. It takes months to recover from knee replacement surgery. 

Fact: Patients are able to walk on their own with the help of support systems the day after surgery. Any surgery, including knee replacement, takes time to heal. Age, overall health, and the type and extent of surgery are some of the factors that may determine how long it takes to recover. 

With the advent of modern pain management and adequate care, patients get back to their normal life in a few weeks after surgery. Attending physical therapy and adhering to your surgeons post-operative suggestions will help to shorten the recovery. 

Myth 8. After knee replacement surgery, you can’t drive.

Fact: Another widespread misconception is that having knee replacement surgery makes it impossible for a person to drive. On the contrary, because you will have more mobility after the surgery, driving a car may become easier. 

However, orthopedic specialists advise waiting for driving again until the patient's progress has been evaluated. Generally speaking, the patient can resume driving after 6 to 8 weeks, though recovery times can vary from patient to patient. 

Conclusion

For those who live in constant pain and fear every step they take, life becomes virtually a nightmare. When these myths are discarded from the equation, you can observe just how safe and effective it can be to remove pain and improve your quality of life. Don’t let these myths stand in the way of the life you deserve.