While the prospect of a knee replacement surgery can be daunting, knowing the facts can always ease your nerves.
Many people across the world go through this painful procedure year after year, but not all of them are equipped with the necessary information which can make the surgery easier.
There are numerous myths associated with knee replacement surgery. Here, I attempt to set them to rest.
Myth no.1: I am too young for knee replacement
Fact: Recommendations for total knee replacement are based on a patient's level of pain and disability. If medicines, a change in lifestyle and the use of a walking support have not been helpful, you may want to consider total knee replacement. Today's super-metals make artificial joints last longer than ever before. If performed properly, knee replacement can be expected to last about 15 - 20 years.
Myth no.2: I am too old for knee replacement
Fact: Knee replacement is safe and successful at any age. With advancements in anesthetics, improved pain control measures, and the skill of experienced surgeons, there is no need to live with that pain. Very often, a patient is fearful of the uncertainty of surgery. Yet, many wish they had done it sooner.
Myth no.3: I should wait as long as possible to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Fact: Patients who could benefit greatly from a knee replacement typically end up waiting too long. Delaying surgery lowers a patient's quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery according to a study in the magazine, Arthritis & Rheumatism. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that continues to damage the joint, and delaying surgery makes both surgery and return to activity more difficult.
Myth no.4: It may take too long to heal
Fact: Patients are usually allowed to walk on the second day after surgery. Discharge from the hospital is usually on the seventh day. Healing and recovery after knee replacement surgery takes three months. However, delaying surgery may compromise the result of a successful operation for up to two years following the surgery.
Myth no. 5: Knee replacement sounds scary
Fact: The term 'total knee replacement' is a misnomer. In 'total knee replacement' surgery, the knee is not replaced, it is only resurfaced. The normal knee has an articular cartilage that covers the knee bones. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage covering the bone ends is destroyed leading to bone rubbing against bone. During surgery, only the surface of the bone's ends are shaved off in sequential manner and caps are placed on top of damaged bone ends — one each on the femur, tibia and patella. The artificial smooth caps rub against each other.
Myth no.6: It works only for a few years
Fact: Modern knee implants last for about 15 years or more in most cases. But in some cases, poor quality bones or improperly-fitted implants or an artificial knee can fail earlier, requiring a second surgery sooner than expected.
Myth no.7: One must avoid it as far as possible
Fact: While our own knees are the best the way nature has created them and one should manage with the original knees as far as possible, sometimes putting off surgery on a damaged knee can produce changes that may affect the success rates of a future knee replacement.
(The contributor is a senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research.)
Many people across the world go through this painful procedure year after year, but not all of them are equipped with the necessary information which can make the surgery easier.
There are numerous myths associated with knee replacement surgery. Here, I attempt to set them to rest.
Myth no.1: I am too young for knee replacement
Fact: Recommendations for total knee replacement are based on a patient's level of pain and disability. If medicines, a change in lifestyle and the use of a walking support have not been helpful, you may want to consider total knee replacement. Today's super-metals make artificial joints last longer than ever before. If performed properly, knee replacement can be expected to last about 15 - 20 years.
Myth no.2: I am too old for knee replacement
Fact: Knee replacement is safe and successful at any age. With advancements in anesthetics, improved pain control measures, and the skill of experienced surgeons, there is no need to live with that pain. Very often, a patient is fearful of the uncertainty of surgery. Yet, many wish they had done it sooner.
Myth no.3: I should wait as long as possible to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Fact: Patients who could benefit greatly from a knee replacement typically end up waiting too long. Delaying surgery lowers a patient's quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery according to a study in the magazine, Arthritis & Rheumatism. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that continues to damage the joint, and delaying surgery makes both surgery and return to activity more difficult.
Myth no.4: It may take too long to heal
Fact: Patients are usually allowed to walk on the second day after surgery. Discharge from the hospital is usually on the seventh day. Healing and recovery after knee replacement surgery takes three months. However, delaying surgery may compromise the result of a successful operation for up to two years following the surgery.
Myth no. 5: Knee replacement sounds scary
Fact: The term 'total knee replacement' is a misnomer. In 'total knee replacement' surgery, the knee is not replaced, it is only resurfaced. The normal knee has an articular cartilage that covers the knee bones. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage covering the bone ends is destroyed leading to bone rubbing against bone. During surgery, only the surface of the bone's ends are shaved off in sequential manner and caps are placed on top of damaged bone ends — one each on the femur, tibia and patella. The artificial smooth caps rub against each other.
Myth no.6: It works only for a few years
Fact: Modern knee implants last for about 15 years or more in most cases. But in some cases, poor quality bones or improperly-fitted implants or an artificial knee can fail earlier, requiring a second surgery sooner than expected.
Myth no.7: One must avoid it as far as possible
Fact: While our own knees are the best the way nature has created them and one should manage with the original knees as far as possible, sometimes putting off surgery on a damaged knee can produce changes that may affect the success rates of a future knee replacement.
(The contributor is a senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research.)