Busting the Big Myths About Joint Replacement Surgery—with Facts
Even with all the progress in joint replacement surgery over the past few decades, I still see patients coming into my clinic not just with knee or hip pain—but also carrying a load of myths and fears. Most of these come from outdated stories or second-hand experiences. It’s time to clear those up by looking at the most common misconceptions and replacing fear with facts.
Myth 1: “I’m too young for a joint replacement.”
It’s a common belief that joint replacements are only for the elderly. However, I regularly treat patients in their 40s and 50s dealing with severe osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, often struggling with basic activities like walking or even sleeping due to pain. When joint damage starts affecting your quality of life, age shouldn’t be a limiting factor. Opting for surgery at the right time can help maintain muscle strength and mobility, instead of allowing long-term disability to take hold.
Myth 2: “It won’t feel natural after surgery.”
This is a common and understandable concern. Fortunately, surgical techniques have advanced significantly.
For hip replacements, I often use the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA)—a minimally invasive technique that avoids cutting through major muscles. This not only speeds up recovery but also helps the new joint feel more like your own. Many patients report that their hip feels natural within just a few weeks.
When it comes to knee replacements, robotic-assisted surgery has been a game-changer. It enables exact customization of joint alignment and ligament balance, tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The result? A more natural-feeling knee and reduced risk of early wear. This technology enhances the surgeon’s precision—it doesn’t replace it.
Myth 3: “I’ll be bedridden for weeks.”
Gone are the days of long hospital stays. Most of my patients walk the same day or within 24 hours of surgery. With enhanced recovery protocols, a motivated patient can often resume basic daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Staying active after surgery is part of the healing process.
Myth 4: “It will only last 10 years.”
This was true decades ago. Today’s implants are durable, and with better materials and surgical precision, many last 20 years or more, especially when implanted correctly and with patient compliance.
Myth 5: “Surgery is the last resort.”
I often remind my patients that surgery isn’t a sign of failure or a consequence of delay—it’s a powerful tool for reclaiming quality of life. Choosing joint replacement doesn’t mean you’ve exhausted your options; it means you’re ready to move forward, free from pain, and ready to walk, travel, or play with your grandchildren again.
In my practice and through my YouTube channel, I’ve seen how education empowers people. When we replace fear with knowledge and hesitation with hope, the path forward becomes clear.
Because joint replacement isn’t just about replacing a joint—it’s about restoring a life.
Dr. Pankaj Walecha (Director & Head – Hip & Robotic Knee Replacement)
Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad
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