Understanding Knee Replacement: Myths and Facts

Introduction

Knee pain is a prevalent issue that affects many individuals daily. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or long-term wear and tear, knee problems can significantly impact daily life. Despite qualifying for surgery, many patients delay treatment due to myths and misconceptions about knee replacement.

As an Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya frequently encounters fears such as “surgery is too painful,” “implants don’t last,” or “I’ll never walk normally again.” These myths create unnecessary anxiety and prevent patients from seeking timely relief.

In this article, we will separate fact from fiction so that informed decisions can be made regarding health.

Why Knee Replacement is Needed

Before addressing the myths, it is essential to understand why this surgery is recommended. Knee replacement (also known as knee arthroplasty) is performed when:

• Severe arthritis damages the joint and limits mobility.

• Pain persists despite medications, physiotherapy, and injections.

• Daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping become difficult.

• Deformities such as bow legs or knock knees worsen over time.

  
  

Knee replacement involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants designed to mimic natural knee movement. With modern techniques, recovery is faster, and outcomes are better than ever before.

Knee Replacement - Myths and Facts

When it comes to surgery, misinformation often spreads faster than the truth. This is especially true for knee replacement myths and facts. Many patients hesitate to undergo surgery because they’ve heard statements like “knee implants don’t last,” “you’ll never walk normally again,” or “the recovery is too painful.”

The reality is quite different. With modern advances such as robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive approaches, and “No Muscle Cut” techniques, knee replacement has become one of the safest and most successful orthopedic procedures worldwide. Implants today can last 20–25 years, and most patients are able to walk the very next day after surgery.

Understanding the real knee replacement myths and facts can help individuals make informed decisions. While myths create fear and delay treatment, the facts highlight how surgery can restore mobility, relieve pain, and bring back independence. If you’re struggling with knee arthritis or chronic joint pain, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Consult an experienced orthopedic surgeon who can guide you with the right information and the best treatment plan.

Myth 1: Knee Replacement is Only for the Elderly

Fact: Age is not the deciding factor.

Many people believe this surgery is only for those above 65 or 70. The truth is, younger patients in their 40s and 50s may also need knee replacement if arthritis or injury severely limits their lifestyle.

👉 In fact, undergoing surgery earlier can sometimes improve long-term quality of life because patients remain active and maintain fitness levels for longer.

Myth 2: Surgery is Very Painful

Fact: Modern techniques have made it much more comfortable.

It’s true that decades ago, recovery from knee replacement was difficult and painful. However, thanks to minimally invasive and robotic techniques, anesthesia improvements, and pain management protocols, recovery is much smoother.

For example, the No Muscle Cut Subvastus Technique allows patients to start walking the very next day with significantly less pain compared to older methods.

Myth 3: Implants Don’t Last Long

Fact: Modern implants last 20–25 years, sometimes even longer.

Older implants had a shorter lifespan. Today’s high-quality implants, when combined with robotic precision, can last two decades or more in most patients. For many individuals, this means a single surgery lasts a lifetime.

If surgery is performed in a patient’s 50s, they may not even need a revision later. With proper care, implants perform reliably even in active individuals.

Myth 4: You Won’t Walk Normally Again

Fact: Most patients walk within 24 hours and return to normal life in weeks.

A common fear is that individuals become dependent on support or “never walk the same way again.” This is false. With early physiotherapy and minimally invasive techniques, patients are encouraged to stand and walk the next day.

Within 4–6 weeks, most resume daily activities such as driving, climbing stairs, and household work. Many even return to sports like swimming, cycling, or golf after recovery.

Myth 5: Recovery Takes Too Long

Fact: Recovery is faster than most people expect.

Traditional surgery often required long hospital stays and extended physiotherapy. Now, most patients are discharged in 3–5 days and can walk with minimal support soon after.

Thanks to robotic-assisted alignment and smaller incisions, muscles and tissues heal faster. With proper exercises, many patients regain full mobility in just a few months.

Myth 6: Both Knees Cannot Be Operated Together

Fact: Bilateral knee replacement is safe and effective for the right patients.

Patients with arthritis in both knees often delay surgery because they think only one knee can be operated on at a time. In reality, simultaneous bilateral knee replacement is possible and safe for selected patients after proper evaluation.

This approach avoids two separate surgeries, reduces overall recovery time, and allows patients to regain mobility faster.

Myth 7: Surgery is Risky and Unsafe

Fact: Risks exist, but they are very low with modern protocols.

All surgeries carry some risk, but advancements in anesthesia, infection control, and robotic accuracy have made knee replacement one of the safest procedures worldwide.

With pre-operative screening, blood tests, and cardiac evaluation, risks are minimized. In fact, knee replacement success rates today exceed 95% worldwide.

Myth 8: Natural Remedies Can Replace Surgery

Fact: Alternative therapies help early, but not in advanced arthritis.

Physiotherapy, medications, injections like PRP or GFC therapy, and lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms in early arthritis. However, once cartilage is completely worn out and bones start rubbing against each other, only surgery can restore function.

Delaying surgery in such cases only increases deformity, pain, and disability.

Myth 9: You Cannot Sit on the Floor After Surgery

Fact: Many patients can, depending on flexibility and implant type.

This is a very common concern in India. While some restrictions exist, with advanced surgical techniques and patient-specific implants, many patients can sit cross-legged or on the floor after recovery. However, this depends on individual anatomy and should be discussed with your surgeon.

Myth 10: Surgery is Only for Pain Relief

Fact: Knee replacement improves overall quality of life.

Beyond pain relief, knee replacement restores mobility, independence, and confidence. Patients can travel, exercise, and enjoy social activities again without constant discomfort.

In fact, studies show patients who undergo timely surgery have better mental health, physical activity levels, and longer independence compared to those who keep delaying.

What Patients in Mumbai Should Know

At Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya's practice in Ghatkopar East (Diabplus Clinic) and Ghatkopar West (Savla Clinic), the focus is on:

• Robotic & Computer-Navigated Surgery for precise alignment.

• No Muscle Cut, Minimally Invasive Techniques for faster recovery.

• Personalized Rehabilitation to help patients regain confidence quickly.

• Patient Education to clear doubts and remove fear before surgery.

  
  

Lifestyle After Knee Replacement

After knee replacement surgery, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Walk daily to maintain fitness.

• Avoid high-impact sports like running or jumping.

• Focus on low-impact activities like cycling, yoga, and swimming.

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on implants.

  
  

Most importantly, stay positive – the majority of patients say they only regret not doing the surgery sooner.

Conclusion

Knee replacement surgery has transformed millions of lives worldwide. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions often prevent individuals from seeking timely treatment.

The reality is that with modern advances, knee replacement is safe, effective, and long-lasting. It restores mobility, relieves pain, and helps patients live independently again.

If you’re struggling with knee pain, don’t let myths hold you back. Speak to a qualified orthopedic surgeon, understand the facts, and make the right choice for your future mobility.

📍 Clinics:

• Diabplus Clinic – Ghatkopar East

• Savla Clinic – Ghatkopar West

• 📞 Contact: 8424903913 | 9611330063

• 🌐 www.mayurajcc.com