10 Myths And Facts About Knee Replacement Surgery

Undergoing knee replacement surgery is important if you face severe pain in your knees. Knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged part of your knee is replaced with implants. But many people have a major fear of undergoing knee replacement surgery because of the myths they have heard about the surgery.

In reality, some of the myths about knee replacement surgery are completely fake and generated out of fear. Some myths are genuine. To clear your concept we are suggesting some of your myths with actual facts suggested by knee replacement surgeons. Read this blog, to understand the myths and facts about knee replacement surgery.

#Myth 1: It is not possible to drive after the knee replacement surgery

Fact – A knee replacement surgeon suggests that one can drive a car after knee replacement surgery. You do not need to hire a driver if you have knee replacement surgery. The recovery time after the surgery can vary. Generally, it is recommended that a patient must drive after 3 to 4 months from the time of the surgery.

Myth 2: It will take a year or two to recover from knee replacement surgery.

Fact: The biggest myth is patients think that it takes a long time to recover after the surgery. Most people recover in just 2 months after the surgery. Cure My Knee helps a patient to recover in just 21 days after Knee replacement surgery. The recovery time can differ from patient to patient.

Myth 3: Knee replacement surgery will only last 8 to 10 years. After this, the patient again has to go to the orthopedic surgeon.

Fact: The implants undergo various wear and tear but some preventive methods can help an implant last longer. Generally, a new implant lasts for about 20 to 25 years. The implanted life also depends on the type of implant i.e. the gold implant last for 20 to 25 years whereas metal implants last for 15 to 20 years. Alloys last for 17 to 20 years.

Myth 4: Knee replacement surgery is done only in old age.

Fact: Anybody having any age can undergo knee replacement surgery. A patient must undergo surgery if they face severe knee pain, had a fracture, are met with an accident or injury, or might have a childhood health disorder related to bone and joints. It is suggested that you must not wait longer if you are already suggested surgery as it can increase your problem and can damage the other joints too.

Myth 5: It is wrong to assume that knee replacement is done only in old age.

Fact: We feel that we are not old but we should have knee replacement surgery. Nothing like that but in an emergency, we can get the knee replaced. You cannot play sports after knee replacement surgery and giving up all activities becomes a compulsion for some time after knee replacement surgery.

Myth 6: Knee replacement is very painful. The patient faces severe pain after knee replacement surgery.

Fact: it is the biggest myth. Some patients may experience knee pain after the surgery due to cuts and stitches but it generally lasts for a week. The pain goes away with the help of medicines, lifestyle modification and physiotherapy. You can also use an ice pack on your knees that helps to reduce swelling and ease your knee pain. Remember to consult a knee replacement surgeon if you face severe knee pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks after the surgery.

Myth 7: A patient cannot undergo knee replacement a second time.

Fact: No, after your implants undergo wear and tear, you may be advised to undergo a knee replacement surgery for a second time which is called revision knee replacement surgery. Generally, people are recommended for revision surgery after 20 to 25 years which is the shelf life of the implant.

Myth 8: It is difficult to undergo knee replacement surgery in both knees.

Fact: Surgery of both the knee at the same time is known as Bilateral Total knee replacement surgery. Undergoing knee replacement surgery of both knees at the same time is advantageous as the recovery period will be the same, you have to visit the hospital only once, and you will be pain-free from both knees.

Conclusion

These are some of the most basic myths that a person may come across before undergoing knee replacement surgery. but we listed the general and reliable facts that are suggested by the words of the doctor. If you think you need knee replacement surgery and are unsure where to turn, contact Cure My Knee to clear your doubts.

Here, Dr. D. K. Das will examine you thoroughly and advise you to undergo some diagnostic tests. After diagnosis, he will tell you whether undergoing knee replacement surgery is needed or not. He will try to solve your problem with help of medications and lifestyle modification and only suggest you knee replacement surgery when nothing works.