Myths About Joint Replacement

In Total knee Joint Replacement my joint will taken out and a prosthesis will be fitted

In a standard Knee replacement , only the diseased lining part is removed and replaced. This is more like relaying of new lining with minimal removal of bone and important joint structures.

I do not need surgery till I am bed ridden. I can live in pain

Independent mobility is important to maintain the quality of life and enjoy specially after years of hard work. You will benefit from replacement if your quality of life or activity of daily life are getting affected because of joint pain or if you have rest pain or need regular painkiller requirement.
Joint replacement lets you do what you always wanted to do without pain or dependency. Long walks, shopping , visiting new places or independence are few of many benefits of joint replacement.

I can manage with regular painkillers for long time.

The medications have their own side effects and pain killers are for short term use only. On long term use specially self administered can lead to serious side effects including vital organ damage like kidney failures. Though their effects are not visible immediately, they can be devastating.

I am too old / young to have joint replacement

It is your personality and activity level then number of years which is important. You will benefit from replacement if your quality of life or activity of daily life are getting affected because of joint pain. There is no age restrictions. If your independence or quality of life is compromised, you are right candidate. with newer technology, we have joints who will last longer and revision is not must due to part wear even in younger age group.

It will be very painful after surgery

Though it is natural to have some discomfort or mild pain after this surgery, modern intervention ensures you are suffering from any disabling pain. Mostly a tube is inserted in your body through which constant administration of painkillers ensures minimal pain and discomfort under watchful supervision. This ensures your hospital stay remains comfortable.

It will take long time to start movements after surgery.

Patients start getting out of bed and start mobilising under physiotherapist supervision from next day after operation. Most of patients are able to use attached washroom by walking there , though initially you will be aided by physiotherapists.

I will have life long restrictions on activity,Knee will not bend fully OR It will not feel natural knee

New designs of the joint replacements allows surgeons to bring artificial joint movements close to your natural knees. Earlier patients were not allowed to squat, kneel down or sit on the floors specially in some religious groups. Now with Hi Flex designs these activities can be possible after replacements. Please discuss with your surgeon about your needs to plan a suitable implant design for replacement.

I will not be able to resume sexual activity after replacement

After few weeks once you start feeling comfortable and joints is moving in a reasonable range you an start sexual activities. Please discuss with your surgeon or physiotherapist who will advise you regarding precautions. You should be able to regain your normal sexual life after surgery.

Replaced Joints will last only few years

Joint implants and techniques are getting better now. New joints are meant to last decades following surgery. Around 90% of joints last even after 20 years of successful transplants and we expect that they will last even longer.

Stem cells are here to avoid replacement with metal implants

These procedures are in their experimental stage. Though exciting stories keep appearing in media these are not in clinical use yet.

Medicines can reverse the arthritis needing replacements

Joint lining once worn out and joint becoming mechanically damaged, only surgical interventions can help. Exercises, physiotherapy,supplements and injections have role in the early stage of disease. You should discuss available to you with your doctor.