10 Myths and Facts about Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a surgery that consists of replacing a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint. Knee replacement surgery can help you get rid of a lot of discomfort and regain your lost abilities. It has a very high success rate. 

Despite the fact that knee replacement surgery is a very beneficial treatment option, many people have misunderstandings about it which discourage them from undergoing it.

Here are some myths and facts about knee replacement surgery. 

Myth #1: I should postpone the knee replacement surgery for as long as possible.

Fact: Wrong answer! Many people tend to avoid surgery and go for medications to cure knee pain. But medicines, especially painkillers, provide only symptomatic relief and that too just for a limited time. Also, long-term use of medicines can cause significant adverse effects such as renal failure, peptic ulcers, and other complications.

Postponing the surgery unnecessarily can make the surgeon’s job more difficult, which can also increase the risk of surgery-related problems.

Myth #2: The success rate of knee replacement surgery is quite low.

Fact: Knee replacement surgery is one of the most recommended treatments for damaged knees. People who get this procedure are able to go about their everyday lives pain-free and comfortably in quite less time. Knee replacement surgery has around 95 per cent success rate in most patients.

Myth #3: I will not be able to bend my knees properly after the surgery.

Fact: This is not at all true. Following surgery, you will be able to turn your knees with ease. Knee replacement surgery does not affect the movement of the joints and you will have no problem moving your legs.

Myth #4: Therapies such as acupressure, laser therapy, magnetic therapy and braces can help me get rid of my severe arthritis and knee pain.

Fact: Until now, there hasn’t been a scientifically proven permanent non-surgical treatment for severe knee arthritis.  All of these treatments may give short-term relief in early to moderate arthritis, but they do not provide a permanent cure. These methods may delay surgery for a while, but they cannot avoid surgery in severe cases.

Book an appointment with the best orthopaedic surgeon in Chandigarh here: https://healinghospital.co.in/orthopedic/

Myth #5: There is no way to fix the implant if the knee replacement surgery fails or if a problem occurs after it.

Fact: If the first surgery somehow fails, a second surgery can be performed. After examining the causes of the failure of the initial operation and taking into account your general health, your doctor may conduct a second procedure, known as a revision surgery.

Myth #6: Knee replacement surgery is not for children

Fact: It is not necessary to be an adult to get knee replacement surgery. You can get it at an earlier age too if it is necessary. Knee replacement should be done right away whenever needed because it can become more difficult for the surgeon to perform the surgery if the patient waits, whether it is a child or an adult.

Myth #7: I will have to deal with a lot of negative consequences after getting a foreign metal into my body.

Fact: That is not true. The prosthetic joints are made up of a special metal that is compatible with our bodies and can stay in form without causing any side effects.

Myth #8: I should not get knee replacement surgery because I am too old.

Fact: Elderly individuals who are clinically fit can have knee replacement surgery anytime. Even at a very old age, patients who get knee replacement surgery can live a comfortable life with ease and relaxation.

Also Read: https://healinghospital.co.in/total-knee-replacement-recovery-surgery-risks-exercises-by-orthopedic-doctors-healing-hospital/

Myth #9: Knee replacement surgery is good only for around ten years.

Fact: This is undoubtedly a myth. Times have changed. Today due to the high quality of knee replacement surgery and the utilisation of sophisticated methods throughout the procedure, knee replacement lasts for a lifetime. 

Myth #10: Knee replacement surgery is a very painful procedure and it continues even after the surgery is over.

Fact: Modern-day pain management guarantees that the patient is pain-free throughout surgery along with the post-surgical period and recovers quickly.

Orthopaedic Care for Senior Citizens – Healing Hospital Chandigarh

As we age, our bones and joints become more vulnerable to problems and injury, which is why it is important to take proper care of our bodies. This care becomes even more important for people who already have certain orthopaedic issues.

Following are some of the most common orthopaedic issues that senior citizens face:

  1. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is caused by a reduction in bone mass, generally after the age of 30. In osteoporosis, the bone becomes fragile and brittle, resulting in extreme pain in the body.
  2. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common orthopaedic problem faced by many senior citizens. The hands, knees, ankles, toes, and spine are all affected by this problem. Osteoarthritis makes the body weak, making it difficult for the body to participate in day-to-day activities.
  3. Dislocation: A dislocation occurs when the ends of the bones are pulled out of their usual places due to an injury to a joint. A dislocation temporarily deforms and immobilizes the joint.
  4. Fracture: Owing to the deterioration of the bones and muscles in old age, the chances of fractures increase as the mineral intensity of the bones decreases. Furthermore, since old age is generally accompanied by weak eyesight, fracture issues become more common. 


Orthopaedic Care for Senior Citizens

  1. Make changes to the diet: Although you can get away with a poor diet in your youth, this isn’t enough when you get older and your bones become weak. You need more essential nutrients as you age.

The meals of senior citizens should contain calcium, Vitamin DVitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin C, all of which are important for bone health. In general, they should eat more whole foods and avoid processed foods. 

Milk, nuts, paneer, green leafy vegetables, beans, and fish are some of the foods that tend to strengthen bones.

  • No excessive rest: Physical activity is the best way to keep the bones and joints healthy. As people grow old, they tend to rest more, become sedentary and walk less. Senior citizens should be encouraged to not shy away from physical activities.

To take care of their orthopaedic health, they should go for morning walks, take a stroll after meals and skip lifts and vehicles as far as they can. Walking helps to strengthen and develop bones. 

However, it should also be noted that the elderly should not force their body for excessive exercise if they feel exhausted.

Also Read: https://healinghospital.co.in/when-is-total-knee-replacement-surgery-needed-best-orthopaedic-surgeon-in-chandigarh/

  • Stay warm: When the temperature drops, the joints, muscles, and ligaments are put under more stress. The risk of orthopaedic injuries is higher in cold weather. An orthopaedic problem that starts in this way could last for an entire lifetime.

Therefore old people should always dress warmly in cold weather to prevent the joints and muscles from becoming stiff from the cold.

  • Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing footwear that supports the feet and arches is essential in old age. Comfortable footwear correctly aligns the lower limbs and relieves tension.

Women who wear high heels are more likely to experience knee, shoulder, and back pain. In cold weather, the risk of footwear-related orthopaedic disorders rises even more.

  • Regular check-ups with the orthopaedic surgeon: Even if everything seems to be in order, the senior citizens are advised to see the best orthopaedic surgeon in Chandigarh. The importance of regular medical examinations grows as you age.

The sooner a condition is identified and treated, the better the chances of recovery and the easier it will be. Early detection would allow for more successful and efficient care, allowing to maintain good bone and joint health.

When Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery Needed? – Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh

If your knee is severely damaged by an injury or arthritis, and it is difficult for you to carry out daily tasks, then total knee replacement can prove to be a boon for you. 

Total Knee Replacement is a procedure by which a damaged knee is resurfaced. Also called Knee Arthroplasty, this surgery involves the use of metal and plastic parts to cap the knee and the ends of the bones which form the knee joint. 

Is There Another Alternative to Knee Replacement?
When Does Knee Replacement Become Necessary?
Are There Any Risks Involved In Total Knee Replacement?
What Can Delaying Total Knee Replacement Lead To?
Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh

Is There Another Alternative to Knee Replacement?

Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh

We understand that surgery is a big decision and many people do not opt for it unless it becomes necessary. Your doctor may recommend some non-surgical options if the situation can be handled that way. 

These may include changing your lifestyle, doing strengthening exercises, getting therapies such as acupuncture, taking medicines and injections, etc.

When Does Knee Replacement Become Necessary?

Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh

An orthopaedic surgeon may examine the knee through X-rays or MRI to see through it before suggesting total knee replacement. Before suggesting the surgery, they may also review your medical history.

The most common condition that leads to the need for total knee replacement is Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of arthritis that causes the cartilage in one or more joints to break down and eventually collapse. Cartilage is a type of protein that acts as a cushion between the bones in the joints. 

With over 100 forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder. It is most likely to develop as we age.  Apart from that, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis are also leading factors of severe knee damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. Here the synovial membrane that covers the joint becomes inflamed and thickened. The cartilage can be damaged by chronic inflammation, which can lead to cartilage deterioration, discomfort, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis group of diseases.

Post-traumatic arthritis is arthritis caused by a traumatic event. This can happen as a result of a serious knee injury. Fractures of the bones surrounding the knee as well as tears in the knee ligaments can weaken the articular cartilage over time, causing pain and restricting function.

Other forms of arthritis and injuries may also lead to erosion of the knee joint. Fractures, torn cartilage, and torn ligaments may lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint and so may lead to knee replacement as a necessary measure.

Are There Any Risks Involved In Total Knee Replacement?

However rare the risks may be, some complications may arise in any surgical procedure and so is the case with a total knee replacement. The following complications may occur while total knee replacement surgery:

  • Infections
  • Bleeding
  • Loosening or wearing away of the prosthesis
  • Formation of Blood Clots
  • Fracture
  • Continued pain or stiffness
  • The replacement may not work as intended
  • Weakness or numbness if nerves or blood vessels get injured
  • Risks due to previous medical conditions

What Can Delaying Total Knee Replacement Lead To?

Delaying the surgery may lead to the following issues:

  • Walking due to knee discomfort can impact the hips.
  • Walking, driving, and doing household chores can become more difficult.
  • Health deteriorating due to sedentary lifestyle
  • Depression and anxiety due to reduced mobility
  • Muscle and ligament weakness and loss of function.
  • Increased probability of complications that could necessitate surgical intervention


Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh

Healing Hospital houses some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Chandigarh. What makes us the best orthopaedic hospital in the Tricity is our team of well-qualified and experienced doctors, caring and understanding staff, best-in-class infrastructure and 24×7 emergency services, among many other features. 

Healing Hospital supplies a range of services such as arthroscopic surgery, surgery of the hand and upper extremities, and adult reconstructive surgery such as hip, shoulder and knee replacement.

Click here to book an appointment: https://healinghospital.co.in/orthopedic/