It can be difficult to determine whether total hip and knee replacement surgery is right for you. There is a lot of misinformation out there and sometimes you might not feel like you fit with the surgery stereotypes you’ve heard about.
Here are six myths you shouldn’t believe – and the real facts about total hip and knee replacements.
1. I’m too young for this kind of surgery
Total hip and knee replacement surgery has no age requirement, but it is best to try every conservative possibility before considering surgery.
In the early stages, other alternatives should be tried. Weight loss takes significant pressure off of the joint and will help it last longer. A good stretching program, non- or low-impact exercise, medications, injections and less invasive arthroscopic surgery can all be effective ways to relieve joint pain.
The average joint replacement surgery takes about an hour and can be done under general or regional anesthesia depending on your medical condition.
2. Joint replacements wear out in only a couple years
While joint replacements aren’t everlasting, they don’t wear out within a year, either. In fact, they can endure for around 30 years, which makes this surgery a viable option for nearly everyone, except the very young. If you are in your 20’s or 30’s, the risk of a revision surgery might lead to alternate recommendations.
3. I will be stuck at the hospital for days after the surgery
Almost all patients can put weight on the new joint hours after surgery. Some patients may even be able to go home the same day.
“We use long acting local anesthetics plus specific nerve blocks to relieve your postoperative pain and allow you to move and use your new joint,” explains Dr. Clark Moore of Carolina Orthopedics in Aiken, South Carolina. “I prefer the posterior incision.” Dr. Moore also recommends reviewing this chart for more information about minimally invasive total hip replacements.
4. My joints will never feel natural again
This surgery has come a long way over the last couple decades and the advancements have significantly improved natural joint movement. Today, movement of joints is so effortless a year after the surgery that patients may feel as if they never had a problem in the first place.
6. I will always be limited after joint replacement
With physical therapy and willpower, patients can expect to recover their mobility after surgery. Remember, you have lost strength and mobility because of the arthritis and will have to regain that strength and mobility after the operation.
To determine if a total knee or hip replacement is right for you, consult a reputable surgeon, like the experts at Carolina Orthopedics.
Carolina Orthopedics provides high quality orthopedic services and care to the Aiken and CSRA communities. Carolina Orthopedics offers accessible, affordable orthopedic care to provide diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services, including sports medicine, reconstructive surgery and total joint replacement. They accept all insurance programs.
To learn more, visit online at www.carolinaorthopedics.net, visit us on Facebook, or call (803) 335-2281
191 Centre South Boulevard, Suite 10, Aiken, SC 29803 • Call 803-335-2281 • Email dmmd@carolinaorthopedics.net
