KneeArthroplasty or knee replacement surgery is a surgery to replace the knee joint in patients to relieve disability and pain. It is done in the case of osteoarthritis and other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The surgery may be more complex in patients with severe deformity from advanced rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or long-standing meniscal injury/degeneration.
Reasons you should undergo a Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is generally done to relieve pain from arthritis and improve mobility. Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear caused by arthritis that often comes with age. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people with psoriasis.
All or some of the knee joint components are replaced with artificial implants in knee replacement surgery. The surgery is successful in most people, and it can relieve pain and improve function for many years.
10 Myths and Facts about Knee Replacement Surgery
After careful consideration and discussion with your orthopedic surgeon, the decision to have knee replacement surgery should be made. If you want to undergo knee replacement surgery, you should know the following myths and facts about it.
1. Myth: Knee replacement surgery is a last resort.
Knee replacement surgery is often considered a last resort, but this isn’t necessarily the case. In many cases, knee replacement surgery can be performed before the damage to the joint becomes severe. It can help avoid complications and years of pain and discomfort.
2. Fact: It is a major operation
Knee replacement surgery is a significant operation, but it’s become increasingly safer in recent years. Advanced surgical techniques and better implant materials have made knee replacement surgery much less invasive than it used to be, with shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries.
3. Myth: It is only for older people
Although arthritis is more common in older adults, knee replacement surgery is often performed on younger people. The number of procedures being performed on patients under age 60 has increased in recent years.
4. Myth: It is very painful
Knee replacement surgery does involve some pain and discomfort, but it’s usually manageable with pain medication. Most people report significant relief from their arthritis pain after the surgery.
5. Myth: You will never be able to do all the things you used to do
After knee replacement surgery, most people can return to their usual activities and enjoy a good quality of life. However, it’s important to remember that some activities, such as running or high-impact sports, may not be possible or may need to be limited.
6. Fact: The surgery is not guaranteed to work
Knee replacement surgery is successful in most cases, but there are no guarantees. The implant may loosen, wear out, or become infected in some cases. These problems can usually be treated with revision surgery. But the pros far outweigh the cons.
7. Myth: It will take a long time to recover
Most people take around four to six weeks to recover from knee replacement surgery fully. However, this can vary depending on the individual. Some people may need up to 12 weeks to recover. It should be kept in mind that comprehensive physiotherapy is crucial to facilitating the recovery process.
9. Myth: You will always have a scar.
While you will have a scar after knee replacement surgery, it is usually small and well-hidden. In most cases, the scar will be barely visible once it has healed.
10. Fact: It is a risky surgery.
Like all surgeries, there is a risk component for knee replacement surgery as well. However, the risks are relatively low, and most procedures are successful.
Dos and Don’ts of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are a few things you can do to ensure a successful outcome after your knee replacement surgery.
Dos:
- Follow your post-operative instructions carefully.
- Take your pain medication as prescribed.
- Move around as soon as possible after your surgery.
- Attend physical therapy sessions as scheduled.
- Stop smoking as it can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Don’ts:
- Don’t overdo it, and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
- Ignore your pain and take your pain medication as prescribed.
- Skip physical therapy as it is an important part of the recovery process.
- Neglect your incision and keep it clean and dry to avoid infection.
- Forget to follow up with your surgeon to help ensure that everything is healing properly.
Conclusion
Is knee replacement surgery a waste of time and money? There is enough evidence to debunk this claim. The truth is, like any surgery, there are risks associated with knee replacements. However, for people suffering from debilitating pain and loss of mobility, the benefits of surgery often outweigh the risks. If you are experiencing chronic pain in your knees and have been unable to find relief through other treatments, it might be time to consult your orthopedic surgeon about knee replacement surgery.