If you are choosing to live with chronic knee pain rather than undergo surgery, then misconceptions about knee replacement surgery may be preventing you from living your best life. Let’s debunk some of the common myths about knee replacement and provide some facts to help you make an informed decision.
Myth #1: Knee replacement surgery is only for older people.
Fact: Knee replacement surgery is not limited by age. It can be performed on anyone who has severe knee damage that affects their mobility and does not respond to other treatments. The benefit of being older is that it decreases the chances that you will need to have a revision if the knee replacement wears out or loosens.
Myth #2: Knee replacement surgery is very painful and takes a long time to recover.
Fact: Knee replacement surgery has improved significantly over the years, thanks to advancements in technology, technique, and pain management. The surgery itself is performed under general or regional anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the operation. Multimodal pain management ensures minimal discomfort and allows you to start moving your knee a few hours after the surgery. Many patients are able to walk with a walker or crutches shortly after the surgery and without assisted devices in the days or weeks after the surgery depending on their pre-existing health condition. Most people can expect to return to their normal activities within four to six weeks.
Myth #3: Knee replacement surgery will make my knee feel artificial and limit my movements.
Fact: Advanced implants have multiple sizes and options to better fit the knee where most patients have minimal to no pain within a few months. The best predictor of postop range of motion is your preop range of motion.
Myth #4: Knee implants will not last very long.
Fact: According to the AAOS more than 90% of total knee replacements performed 15 years ago are still functioning quite well.1 Given the significant improvement in surgical technology and techniques, joint replacements performed today can be expected to last much longer.
Myth #5: Knee replacement is a last resort
Fact: While conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications are often recommended initially, knee replacement surgery is not necessarily a last resort. Many patients find relief and improved quality of life through timely knee replacement, especially when conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Book an appointment with us to discuss your options today.
Reference:
1. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement
Dr. Eddie El-Yussif is a Board-Certified Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons specializing in Knee Surgery at Henry Ford Health, serving the greater Detroit area.