Let’s get this straight to the point. Knee replacements are often a good idea. Many people have less knee pain and more mobility after they have surgery and do their rehab work. Most people are delighted with it. After they get better, they ask, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” It’s a really good surgery. But, there are things to be aware of. A study from 2018 found that up to 20% of people aren’t happy with their knee replacements.
Up to one-third of people who have their knees replaced still have pain, and one in five aren’t happy with the results. In the BMJ last year, a study found that knee replacement had “minimal effects on quality of life,” especially for people with less severe arthritis.
A 2014 study in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that one-third of patients with knee replacements may not be good candidates for the surgery because their arthritis symptoms aren’t bad enough to warrant aggressive treatment.
The Major Problem with Knee Replacement Surgery
Americans are getting older and heavier, but that alone doesn’t explain the huge rise in knee replacement surgery. People in their 50s and early 60s are more likely to get hurt and injured. Therefore, the doctors are more willing to operate on people in their 50s and early 60s. That has changed because new implants can last longer, maybe for 20 years, before they start to fall apart.
Yet even the most up-to-date models don’t last forever. Over time, implants can come loose and fall apart from the bone, which can cause pain. The artificial knee’s plastic parts wear down over time, which can cause inflammation. Wear and tear can break the knee. Implants in people who are still overweight after surgery can be put under more stress, check now shortening their lives even more.
The younger people are, the more likely they will have another surgery on their knee implants. These “revision” procedures are more difficult to do because of scar tissue from the original surgery. Bone cement used in the first surgery can be hard to get out. Also, bones can break when the old artificial knee is removed.
When you change something, you are also more likely to have problems. An article in the Lancet found that about 35% of men and 20% of women younger than 60 need surgery again.
Yet, hospitals and surgery centers advertise knee replacements a lot, with ads that show people running, biking, and even playing basketball after they have them done.
Other Reasons why Many People are not happy with the Knee Replacement Surgery
- Unrealistic Expectations
Some people think the knee replacements will “fix” everything and are disappointed when they come out of surgery and their knee is even sorer than before.
- Overweight or Obese
A lot of people who have knee replacements are overweight or morbidly obese. Those extra pounds may be taking a toll on their knees. Inflammation linked to fat tissue could also be a source of pain for you.
- They didn’t get the right treatment.
When you get an x-ray, arthritis can look bad. It might not be the reason you’re in pain, though. Back or hip pain can sometimes get sent to your knee, or your knee pain isn’t caused by arthritis.
- They got an infection.
According to one study, only 0.39 percent of knee replacements are infected, but they can be terrible.
- They had problems with their surgery.
Sometimes, the knee replacement isn’t done right. “The parts can move a little bit inside.” It’s hard to figure out.
- They had problems with their mental health.
According to a review of many studies, people who were unhappy with their results were more likely to have anxiety or depression before having a knee replacement.
- They didn’t stay in rehab long enough for them to get better.
If you don’t get your range of motion back to at least 90 degrees after surgery, you’re not going to be happy.
Is joint replacement a good idea for you?
The one thing you should keep in mind is that even the most “definitive” treatment, surgery to replace a joint, has a lot of flaws. There are many important things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about getting a new joint.
- It’s a big operation that takes a long time to get back to normal.
- There are a lot of essential risks.
- There’s a good chance that your knee won’t feel 100% normal after surgery.
People who have terrible arthritis can still have their joints replaced, which allows them to walk with much less or no pain and to have a much better life. But for most people who need it, a knee replacement is a better option than other things.
If you are planning to have a knee replacement, make sure to consult specialists and discuss your issues with them. To book your consultation, and know the knee replacement cost in India, visit Lyfboat today!
