KNEE REPLACEMENT MYTHS

I come across 5 to 6 patients a day that desperately need knee replacement surgery. There is one common factor in all these patients - they are grossly disabled but are reluctant to get themselves operated. My experience and research tells me that most of them refuse surgery because they have been scared against it by relatives and friends. Relatives and friends talk about the surgery very loosely, i.e. without much knowledge and most of it is not true. Unfortunately because of non-availability of clear information these patients get confused. To make matters worse, the elderly generation is mostly not that tech savvy.

Here are the 10 common myths that I have discovered while talking to my patients.

Myth 1: I will be in bed for a long time after the surgery

Truth: Due to the new rapid recovery protocols the patient walks on the same day of his surgery.

Myth 2: Iwill not be able to bend my knee after the surgery

Truth: One can bend the knee fully after the surgery. Most of the new implants allow normal range of movement at the knee joint

Myth 3: It is a foreign body inserted in my body, it will get rejected.

Truth: These artificial joints are made up of a special metal which is compatible with our body and it can stay in the body forever without causing any side effects.

Myth 4: I will need lots of physiotherapy after the surgery and recovery is very slow

Truth: Physiotherapy is required for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. We teach patients all the while they are in the hospital and all the patient needs to do is to practice the same exercises at home. 98% patients are walking without an aid after 4 weeks.

Myth 5: Doing 2 knees in one sitting is very dangerous

It is the other way around. Two knees in one go has lot of advantages. You visit the hospital only once. The recovery is faster because both knees are pain free after the surgery. The stay is only one day extra i.e. after one knee thepatient goes home on 4th day whereas he goes home on the 5th day in case of both knees being operated. It also saves 30 to 40,000 rupees on the total cost which is another huge advantage.

Myth 6: I won’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 knee gets extra loading while getting up and it is recommended that one sits on the floor only in case of an emergency.

Myth 7: Only joints form “A” company are good.

Truth: Most of the big companies have joints which are very similar in nature and the choice of the company should be left to the surgeon. Every surgeon is familiar with one particular product which works well in his hands. Forcing a surgeon to use a certain product based on the knowledge gathered from the internet is the worst thing to do.

Myth 8:This surgery has high risk and fails most of the times.

Truth: The only risk in the entire surgery is the risk of infection. This risk is around 2%. This risk is universal and applies everywhere.

Myth 9: I am above 65 years and hence won’t be able to tolerate such a major surgery.

90% of patients undergoing a knee replacement are above the age of 65 because this is an age related wear and tear issue. It is therefore safe surgery and all patients are screened before they are taken up for a surgery.

Myth 10:These artificial knees last only for 10 to 15 years therefore at age 60 I should not get operated.

Though it is true that the artificial knees have a life, it is worth noting that the surgery is offered to improve the “quality of life”. At age 60 if one cannot enjoy the daily routine then it is not worth living that kind of painful miserable life.