If you have had a friend or relative undergo a joint replacement, you may be familiar with the procedure and how it works. For others though, who are less familiar, you may instead be privy to a few myths and misinformation in regards to what happens, how it works, and who it is for. Let’s bust these myths!
Myth 1: Only Elderly People Need the Surgery
While joint replacement is common in the elderly population, it is not only the older demographic that needs this type surgery. For this population, the surgery is typically because of use and wear and tear. For others however, such as athletes, surgery may be necessary due to an injury or damage to the surrounding cartilage and tissue or repetitive movement as caused by the specific sport. Others who have degeneration in the parts due to problems such as arthritis may require surgery, and this may be seen at a younger age.
Myth 2: Surgery is Always Done Manually
Thanks to advances in technology and incredible leaps in educational and training opportunities for professionals in the field, there is now the option to have robotic joint replacement in the Fox Valley. This is not a service that is offered at all clinics and by all surgeons, and in fact is a very select procedure. Being able to have your surgery done using this technology however means it is less invasive on the patient and the surgeon can ensure extreme precision in the area being operated on because of the use of CT scans. The scans allow the proper connection of the femur and tibia, reducing the chance of complications or the need for future surgeries.
Myth 3: You Will Lose Use of Your Limb for an Extended Period of Time
Many people assume that because the area is being replaced, one will not be able to use it for some time and that the surgery will result in a severe loss of mobility, not to mention come with a lot of pain and need for assistance. This is not true. In fact, after your surgery, you will be assigned a physical therapist who will try to get you moving as soon as possible—within the same day—to ensure that the surgery was a success and that everything is moving properly. When parts are replaced there is a lot of connective tissue that needs to be properly aligned as well, and if there is any issues with this and your movement is inhibited, the surgeon will want to know right away to correct the problem.
With better knowledge and understanding of orthopedic surgery, you will be more aware of when you hear misinformation in the future and better able to educate others in return.
Have questions?
Request a consultation with one of the knee pain specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. The campus in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, as well as a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries.
OSI has outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.