Many Americans may need knee surgery to improve their quality of life, relieve themselves of pain, and increase their mobility. A lot won’t take the chance due to misconceptions about the procedure. Here are three common myths about the surgery and why you should remove them from your mindset today:
1. It Is Not for the More Senior People
Any surgery comes with risks and challenges, so it’s understandable why many people think much older individuals should not undergo with it. This is especially true with knee surgery.
Some studies, however, suggest a more pleasing outcome than previously thought. In 2014, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons said patients 80 years old and above had been choosing to undergo elective orthopedic surgery since 2004.
Based on the data, the researchers found the mortality rates went down for total knee replacement surgery. Some did the complication rates. Some didn’t even develop any comorbidity such as a medical condition arising from the operation.
Although the study didn’t dwell on the causes for these statistics, the researchers believe it carries positive news for older people. They can consider undergoing such a procedure to improve their quality of life.
2. You Might Have to Wait for Two Weeks before You Shower
As if the surgery isn’t bad enough, it’s not uncommon for doctors to recommend waiting for two weeks before they shower. The idea here is to avoid getting the incisions and sutures wet.
A 2016 study contradicted that. In the experiment, about 94% of those who showered within two days after the surgery said that taking a bath that early was important to them. Meanwhile, 81% of those who delayed their shower within 10 to 14 days said the same thing. They would have taken such a choice as well it became an option.
The research had a limited sample size, but it had already highlighted the possibility you can recover fast from a surgery such as TKR. Working with the best knee surgeon in Utah will give you access to a novel surgical technique.
This includes arthroscopy of the knee joint. In this procedure, the surgeon only makes a small incision to examine the affected area. They then use small surgical instruments to perform the procedure. They can see what they’re doing in real-time since the arthroscope contains a camera. It is a simple surgical process it might take only a day to complete. The small incisions also drastically reduce healing or recovery time.
3. You Have to Lose Weight before You Can Undergo a Knee Surgery
There’s a strong association between arthritis and obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), at least one in every three obese people might have a specific type of arthritis.
The extra weight can also worsen the pain, as well as increase the risks of surgical complications, some health experts say. The best option is to lose weight, but it can be a tough one for obese people who have to deal with pain.
A 2017 study by the University of Massachusetts Medical School revealed obese people didn’t have to lose the weight before they could undergo joint replacement surgery. They even had similar outcomes as those who were in their ideal weight when it came to function and pain relief.
The myths about joint-related surgeries can prevent you from that one opportunity that can improve your life. Don’t lose the chance by talking about the procedure with your doctor as soon as you can.
