Knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement surgery, is a rising popular surgical solution to alleviate pain in arthritis or injured knees and return function to patients who are experiencing such pain. Unfortunately, its popularity gives birth to many myths and misconceptions. So, this blog will reveal the reality that lies under the widespread popularity by separating myths from facts and giving this procedure what it really deserves.
Myth Vs. Fact About Knee Replacement Surgery
Myth 1: Knee Replacement Surgery Is Only for Elders
Despite the fact that old people suffer from arthritis, surgery for knee replacement is not only exclusive to them. Young people also may need a knee replacement. Such could result from accidental injury, genetic conditions, or even Rheumatoid Arthritis. The determinants of knee arthroplasty relate more to quality of life and severity rather than age and the Knee Replacement Surgeon in Jaipur can help to decide.
Myth 2: Knee replacement surgery can be extremely painful and require extensive recovery time.
Fact: Thanks to innovations in surgical methods, anesthesia, and advanced postoperative care, pain levels have gone down, and recovery times are reduced in knee replacement surgeries. You can consult at the best Orthopedic Hospital in Jaipur to understand better about the pain levels.
While certain discomforts may still occur as the healing process continues, pain management options, including medication and physical therapy, enable a faster resumption of activities of lower intensity in a few weeks, gradually progressing to a normal level of fitness after several months. However, the recovery schedule from the partial or total knee replacement depends on the individual.
Myth 3: Knee replacement surgery results in stiff, unnatural-feeling knees.
Fact: Current knee replacement implants replicate anatomy and the functionality of the natural knees to the maximum extent, with surgeons adapting implant size and alignment to achieve the best results in terms of positioning and range of motion. As the materials and technology progress, developing prosthetic knees that look and act more like real ones becomes possible. Although it is quite common that people with an early recovery phase will feel stiff, the majority of them regain their full range of motion after the rehabilitation therapy is complete.
Myth 4: Knee replacement surgery should only be considered as a last resort, and alternative treatments must first be explored.
Fact: Although conservative treatments by way of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can initially render everlasting relief from severe knee arthritis pain. Patients having severe joint damage and are experiencing continued discomfort would be left with no choice to surgery, considering the two are irreversible.
Prolongation of surgery without any good cause could lead to more destruction of the joints. It could also lead to the possible compromise of the surgical outcomes. Consulting a competent orthopedic surgeon is therefore advisable. Because this will enable them to select a solution that would suit them depending on their preferences and the situation at hand.
Myth 5: Knee replacement surgery carries with it high risks and potential complication rates.
Fact: Knee replacement surgery, as with any other procedure, comes with unavoidable risks. Major complications faced after this type of surgery are infections, blood clots, and implant-related problems.
Alternatively, surgical complication rates typically remain fairly low, even in complex cases, when performed by skilled surgeons in orthopedic program institutions.
Early screening for potential problems, mandatory infection prevention measures, and proper postoperative care contribute to reducing risks and will ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing knee replacement.
Myth 6: Knee replacement surgery offers permanent relief with no further care required afterwards.
Fact: While total knee replacement surgery offers the main benefits of alleviating pain and restoring function to the joint, it is prudent to acknowledge that it has a finite lifetime. There is a likelihood of revision surgery being required in the foreseeable future.
In cases of graft wearing or loosening, subsequent medical intervention might imply removing and exchanging the implant. Therefore, the post-surgery rehabilitation program, as well as lifestyle adjustment, are necessary. This will increase the lifespan of the prosthetic knee and avoid further complications and revisions in the future.
Myth 7: You’ll never fully straighten my knee out again
Fact: Restoring full extension (straightening the knee all the way) is a key goal after knee replacement surgery. As long as the surgeon properly balances the knee during surgery, it is possible to achieve a full extension. However, it does require a commitment to physical therapy and doing prescribed exercises at home, too. Regaining extension takes time and work but pays off by allowing patients to walk normally without a limp.
Myth 8: You’ll need help at home for a long time after surgery
Fact: Many patients assume they’ll be completely disabled and dependent after knee replacement based on the experiences of friends or family from years ago. However, techniques have advanced greatly, allowing for quicker recovery.
The average hospital stay is only 1-2 days, and patients are able to walk on their new knee right away. With home health assistance and physical therapy, most people regain their independence within 2 weeks, driving after 4-6 weeks. Help is mostly necessary in the first couple of weeks.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery is an excellent treatment when severe arthritis or serious injury is the underlying problem. Understand these myths and their facts and make an informed decision. To learn more about this surgery and decide whether to go with this surgery, book a consultation at Ginni Devi Hospital.
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