By Dr. Abrar Mohammad, Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Chikkaballapur & Bengaluru.
Knee arthritis is one of the most frequent causes of loss of mobility in adults. I meet many patients who delay treatment because of confusion, online misinformation, and fears shared by friends or relatives. Most of these fears are rooted in myths or misunderstandings about knee replacement surgery.
As a joint replacement surgeon, I want to clarify the 9 most common myths I hear in my consulting room and explain the medical truth behind them.
Myth 1: “Knee Replacement Surgery Is Extremely Painful”
Pain is one of the first concerns patients ask about during consultations.
Medical Reality:
With today’s anesthesia, spinal blocks, nerve blocks, and multimodal pain-control protocols, knee replacement is far more comfortable than it used to be. Most patients describe the post-operative pain as manageable and significantly less than the constant arthritis pain they had for years.
Pain control is planned scientifically based on:
- patient age
- comorbidities
- type of implant
- surgical technique
Myth 2: “I May Not Walk Normally After Knee Replacement”
Many patients from Chikkaballapur worry that surgery will reduce their mobility.
Medical Reality:
Most patients begin walking within 24 hours of surgery, with assistance. Modern implants are designed to recreate smooth, natural knee motion. Your walking pattern depends on:
- alignment accuracy during surgery
- muscle conditioning
- timely physiotherapy
- maintaining ideal body weight
With the right rehabilitation, most people return to a steady, natural gait.
Myth 3: “Recovery From Knee Replacement Takes Many Months”
This belief comes from older surgical methods.
Medical Reality:
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have changed the timeline.
Typical recovery looks like this:
- Day 1: Standing and walking with support
- Day 3–4: Discharge
- Week 2–3: Stair climbing begins
- Week 4–6: Household activities, light walking
- Week 8–12: Near-full mobility
Recovery varies, but the outdated “bed rest for months” advice no longer applies.
Myth 4: “Knee Implants Wear Out Quickly”
Implant quality is a major concern for long-term mobility.
Medical Reality:
Modern knee implants last 20–25 years, sometimes longer. The lifespan is influenced by:
- surgical precision
- material quality (highly cross-linked polyethylene, cobalt-chromium alloys, etc.)
- patient activity
- weight management
- Biomechanics
A well-performed joint replacement usually serves patients reliably for decades.
Myth 5: “Knee Replacement Is Risky If I Have Diabetes or Blood Pressure Issues”
Many of my patients have lifestyle diseases — this is common across India.
Medical Reality:
Knee replacement is safe for most patients with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, and mild cardiac conditions when properly optimized before surgery. Risk is minimized through:
- pre-operative sugar and BP control
- cardiac evaluation
- anesthetic clearance
- infection-prevention protocols
These steps ensure safe surgical outcomes.
Myth 6: “I Will Lose Independence After Joint Replacement”
This myth often arises from fear of becoming dependent on family members.
Medical Reality:
The purpose of joint replacement is to restore independence, not reduce it.
Most patients experience:
- improved walking capacity
- reduced stiffness
- better sleep
- easier stair climbing
- improved participation in daily activities
Your confidence increases as pain decreases.
Myth 7: “Both Knees Cannot Be Replaced Together”
Bilateral arthritis is common.
Medical Reality:
For patients who are medically fit, simultaneous bilateral knee replacement is a safe and effective option.
Advantages include:
- one anesthesia
- single hospital stay
- faster total recovery
- reduced overall cost
Careful selection is important, and the decision is made after evaluating your fitness, cardiac status, and mobility goals.
Myth 8: “I Should Wait Until Pain Becomes Unbearable”
Delaying surgery is one of the most common mistakes.
Medical Reality:
Waiting too long can lead to:
- severe deformity
- muscle wasting
- reduced flexibility
- slower recovery even after surgery
The right time for surgery is when:
- medicines stop helping
- walking distance reduces
- pain affects sleep
- daily activities become difficult
Earlier intervention often means better long-term results.
Myth 9: “Only Big-City Hospitals Offer Good Knee Replacement Results”
Many patients from smaller towns assume they must travel to a metro.
Medical Reality:
Advanced orthopaedic care, modern implants, trained surgical teams, and infection-controlled theatres are now available in Chikkaballapur itself.
For many patients, receiving treatment close to home improves:
- rehabilitation consistency
- family support
- follow-up convenience
- long-term outcome stability
Quality is defined by skill, precision, and post-operative care, not by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is knee replacement safe after age 70 or 75?
Yes, provided medical fitness is confirmed. Age alone does not decide eligibility.
Can I sit cross-legged or use the Indian-style toilet after surgery?
Depends on implant type, flexibility, and bone quality. Some patients can, some cannot. This is discussed during consultation.
When can I drive again?
Typically 4–6 weeks after surgery when reflexes and muscle control are adequate.
How long will physiotherapy continue?
Usually 6 weeks, but patients with stiffness or severe deformity may need longer rehabilitation.
Can knee replacement fail?
Failures are rare. They may occur due to infection, severe osteoporosis, trauma, or implant loosening. Regular follow-up helps detect problems early.
About the Author
Dr. Abrar Mohammad
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Chikkaballapur
- Knee replacement surgery
- Hip and joint reconstruction
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis management
Dr. Abrar focuses on evidence-based treatment, minimally invasive techniques, and systematic rehabilitation to help patients regain mobility and confidence.
