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JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY: MYTHS AND FACTS

Thursday, October 31, 2019

WHAT IS JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip, and shoulder. The surgery is usually done by an orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts.


WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Myths associated with joint replacement surgery is mainly due to false information on the internet.

Some of the myths are:

Myth: Hip and joint replacement implants are only good for about 10 years.

FACT: This used to be true, but not today. Advances in new types of knee and hip implants have revolutionized the longevity of their effectiveness. Today, one can expect a new hip or knee replacement to last more than 20 years.

Myth: Joint replacement surgery should be the last resort to eliminate chronic pain.

FACT: Conservative treatments for chronic pain are always the best initial approach to anyone who suffers from joint pains. These may include medications, physical therapy and other measures. But once the pain becomes life-affecting and limits your mobility, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your surgical options. Living with chronic pain is not healthy, and limited mobility usually results in weight gain, increased risk of cardiovascular issues and a lower quality of life.

Myth: Joint replacement surgery takes a long time to recover.

FACT: It used to be standard for joint replacement patients to spend a week in the hospital after they got a new knee or hip. Today, patients put weight on their new hip or knee hours after their surgery and typically go home after 1-2 days. Recovery takes place in stages, with short term recovery taking 4-6 weeks while full recovery (as defined as an improvement in function and mobility and a feeling of normalcy) may take up to 6 months; some patients recover much sooner; others may take longer. There are a number of factors that play a role in a patient's recovery, including attitude, physical therapy participation and others.

Myth: You can't really exercise or participate in sports activities after joint replacement surgery.

FACT: Not true! Being active is what we want after joint replacement surgery, albeit low- impact activities such a walking, swimming and cycling. Talk to your doctor about what activities you can do while you recover.

Myth: Surgery means complications.

FACT: Joint replacement surgery is major surgery. That means that there are risks involved. But it doesn’t guarantee that there will be complications. In fact, there are significantly fewer complications the more joint replacement surgeries performed in a hospital of repute like KIMS.


WHY KIMS?

KIMS, one of the best joint replacement clinics in Hyderabad, brings together a team of doctors, nurses and physical therapists who take a whole-body approach to diagnosing and treating joint pain. Our best joint replacement surgery doctors in Hyderabad work together as a seamless unit to provide a wide range of treatments, not just surgery, and help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Our best joint replacement surgeon in Hyderabad is well-versed with current advances in hip and knee reconstruction techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery and computer-assisted surgery, which allow patients to return more quickly to their favourite activities.

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