12 Feb Five Myths & Realities About Knee Replacement
Five Myths & Realities
About Knee Replacement
Today, advances in surgical techniques and technologies have revolutionized knee replacement surgery, allowing more patients to consider treatment sooner. While concerns and worries are normal when considering surgery, the information listed below may help you with your decision.
Arthritic Knee
Healthy Knee
Healthy Knee
Myth No. 1:
“Arthritis pain is just a part of aging. It’s just something you learn to live with.”
Reality: Osteoarthritis affects nearly 27 million Americans today and will affect potentially up to 67 million people by 2030.1,2 Yet many Americans choose years of conservative care (physical therapy, drugs, injections) to lessen, but not eliminate, their joint pain.
If everyday activities are causing pain and interfering with your daily life, you may benefit from talking with an orthopaedic surgeon, no matter what your age. In 2014, more than 670,000 total knee replacements were performed in the United States.3
Myth No. 2:
“A knee replacement won’t feel natural.”
Reality: There have been significant advances in materials, designs, and surgical procedures for knee replacement. DePuy Synthes Companies offer unique implants, Rotating Platform (RP) Knees, that closely mimic the feel and movement of an original knee.4
Myth No. 3:
“I’m too young for a knee replacement.”
Reality: Knee replacement is not based on age, but on the person’s level of pain and immobility. As a result of advances in implant technology, patients may benefit from knee replacement options such as the Rotating Platform (RP) Knee which is designed to help patients move naturally.4
Myth No. 4:
“I should wait as long as possible to undergo knee replacement surgery.”
Reality: Many patients who could benefit greatly from a knee replacement are worried that they will not be able to comfortably and confidently return to their normal activities of daily living. In fact, delaying surgery lowers a patient’s quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery according to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatism.5 However, there is a higher probability that younger patients may need to undergo a second knee replacement later in life.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that continues to damage the joint and delaying surgery makes both surgery and return to activity more difficult.
Myth No. 5:
“All knee implants are the same.”
Reality: Today, knee replacement patients have a choice of knee implant types as well as a variety of implant shapes and sizes designed to accommodate specific needs and different lifestyles. Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about your individual needs and the clinical history of the implant your surgeon recommends for you.