5 myths on Knee Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure which involves the orthopaedic surgeon replacing a damaged part of the knee with an artificial joint made of metal or plastic.

When the basic foundation of your body has taken a toll, the idea of a surgery sounds weary either because of stigma or because of their fear of knee surgery.

Here are 5 most common myths and the real truth or facts behind them.

Myth 1. Knee replacement is the last resort.

Truth:

1. Prolonging pain is unfavorable because osteoarthritis continues to deform the shape of the bones around the knees. Delaying surgery is not only challenging for the orthopaedic surgeons but also for you because it causes a slow recovery.
2. While painkillers may give you temporary relief, they also cause side effects like renal failure.

Myth 2. I am too old/young for orthopaedic surgery.

Truth:

1. Surgery does not depend on age but on the quality of life and the tolerance of pain. About 90% of the patients, above the age of 65, opt for the surgery because it is a wear and tear issue. Patients are usually screened before undergoing a surgery. But there have been cases of patients undergoing replacement surgery younger than 64 years, yet wishing that they had done it sooner.

Myth 3. I might be in pain after the surgery and will be in the hospital for a long time.

Truth:

1. The advanced technology and best doctors make sure that your experience is painless.
2. Minimal incisions on a knee replacement reduce hospital recovery time. It also depends on your tolerance level. Because of new recovery protocols, you can return home after 1-3 days.

Myth 4. I will not be able to do any physical activity.

Truth:

1. Your orthopaedist will suggest walking and physical therapy soon after the surgery and after 6 - 12 weeks, he will suggest low-impact athletics like swimming, cycling, brisk walking, hiking, stair climbing, and golf. Straining exercises like squatting, sitting and running should be kept minimal. Most of the patients also start driving after 6-8 weeks.
2. Studies have found out that air travel after the surgery does not form any blood clot.

Myth 5. I can’t undergo surgeries for both the knees at once.

Truth:

1. A bilateral knee replacement will require a 4-day hospital stay when compared to two separate replacements which take 6 days.
2. There is less time taken on physical therapy for rehabilitating both the knees. The cost is less when compared to two separate surgeries.

Common misconceptions make us worry about the knee surgery and we should not let it stand in our way of a quality life. If you are considering knee replacement surgery, you can consult the best specialists for knee replacement at Apollo Spectra Hospitals.

Experience a hassle-free knee surgery with our advanced technologies and personalized care.