10 myths about knee replacement surgery
I see almost3 to 4 patients a day that desperately needs a knee replacement surgery. All these patients are grossly disabled but are reluctant to get operated. I haverealized that most of them refuse surgery because they have been scared bytheir relatives. Relatives and friends talk about the surgery very loosely i.ewithout much knowledge and most of it is hearsay. Unfortunately because ofclear cut information these patients get confused. Youngsters now days will goon the net and find out the facts but elderly generation is mostly not that techsavvy.
Here are the10 0common myths I have discovered while talking to my patients
Myth 1: Iwill be in bed for a long time after the surgery
Truth: Dueto the new rapid recovery protocols the patient walks on the same day of hissurgery!
Myth 2: Iwill not be able to bend my knee after the surgery
Truth: Onecan bend the knee fully after the surgery. Most of the new implants allownormal range of movement at the knee joint
Myth 3:It is a foreign body inserted in my body, it will get rejected.
Truth: Theseartificial joints are made up of a special metal which is compatible with ourbody and it can stay in the body forever without causing any side effects.
Myth 4: Iwill need lots of physiotherapy after the surgery and recovery is very slow
Truth: 99%patients do not need a physiotherapist at home. We teach patients all theexercises while they are in the hospital and all the patient needs to do ispractice the same exercises at home. 98% patients are walking without an aidafter 4 weeks.
Myth 5: Doing2 knees in one sitting is very dangerous
It is theother way around. Two knees in one go has lot of advantages. You visit thehospital only once. The recovery is faster because both knees are pain freeafter the surgery. The stay is only one day extra i.e. after one knee thepatient goes home on 4th day whereas here he goes home on the 5thday. It also saves 30 to 40,000 rupees on the total cost which is another hugeadvantage.
Myth 6: Iwon’t be able to sit on the floor ever again after the surgery
Truth: Mostof the patient scan squat or sit on the floor after surgery. However the kneegets extra loading while getting up and it is recommended that one sits on thefloor only in case of an emergency.
Myth 7:Only joints form “A” company are good.
Truth: Mostof the big companies have joints which are very similar in nature and thechoice of the company should be left to the surgeon. Every surgeon is familiarwith one a particular product which works well in his hands. Forcing a surgeonto use a certain product based on the knowledge gathered from the internet isthe worst thing to do.
Myth 8:This surgery has high risk and fails most of the times.
Truth: Theonly risk in the entire surgery is the risk of infection. This risk is around 2%. This risk is universally same in any center which is well equipped.
Myth 9: Iam above 65 years and hence won’t be able to tolerate such a majo surgery
90% ofpatients undergoing a knee replacement are above the age of 65 because this isan age related wear and tear issue. It is therefore safe surgery and all patientsare screened before they are taken up for a surgery.
Myth 10:These artificial knees last only ofr 10 to 15 years therefore at age 60 I shouldnot get operated.
Though it istrue that the artificial knees have a life, it is worth noting that the surgeryis offered to improve the “quality of life”. At age 60 if one cannot enjoy thedaily routine then it is not worth living that kind of painful miserable life.