Undergoing any major surgery like joint replacement surgery can naturally be a source of stress and anxiety for patients. Joint replacement surgeries, including those for the knee, hip, or shoulder, are no exception. At our orthopedic hospital in Mumbai, we often encounter patients who share these common concerns. The good news? In almost every case, patients realize that their fears before surgery were far worse than the actual experience.
Joint Replacement: Fear of Hip and Knee Surgery is Real, But Unfounded
“Take knee surgery, for example,” says Dr. Chirag Patel, the best knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai. “After surgery, patients are often surprised at how straightforward the procedure feels compared to what they imagined. While there may be initial pain and mobility limitations, with the right physiotherapy and post-operative care, the knee adapts to the body. Over time, patients regain pain-free movement, often reminiscent of their younger days”.
“Patients do feel nervous about knee replacement surgery. But post the surgery they feel relieved and there even comes a point where patients completely forget about their artificial knee joint, enjoying activities they thought were no longer possible,” he adds.
Hip Replacement Surgery : Easier Than You Think
Many people believe hip replacement surgery is more complicated and, as a result, more hectic and serious in nature than knee replacement. However, according to total hip replacement surgeon Dr.Chirag Patel, “The process is similar, and the recovery journey is actually the same as that of knee surgery. But because the hip is a larger joint, healing does take time. When it does, the joint is fortified, pain-free, and stronger than ever.”
Both knee and hip replacement procedures have a high success rate, and patients are often amazed at how quickly they regain mobility after these surgeries. Post-recovery remains the critical part of both these joint replacement surgeries, and when managed and followed well, patients can enjoy the full benefits of these life-changing surgeries.
Common Myths: The Reason for Fear & Anxiety in Patients
Whether it’s a knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, or elbow replacement, the feedback from patients is almost always positive. The initial fear of major surgery quickly fades when they realize the simplicity of the procedure and the profound improvement in their quality of life.
Why Fear Lingers: The Role of Awareness
Having treated hundreds of patients with joint replacement surgeries at our orthopedic clinic in Mumbai, we’ve noticed that much of the fear around these surgeries comes from a lack of awareness, misconceptions, and incomplete information. This wariness can, and often does, lead to unnecessary worry and hesitation about these life-changing surgeries.
Here are the popular myths about joint replacement surgeries and the truth behind them:
Myth 1: Joint replacement surgery is highly invasive and risky.
Reality: Thanks to advancements in orthopedic technology, joint replacement surgeries have become minimally invasive today. Orthopedic surgeons in Mumbai also utilize advanced robotic technology to make the procedure even less invasive, more precise, and more convenient for patients. As a result, joint replacement surgeries today come with short recovery times and excellent success rates.
Myth 2: Post-surgery, patients won’t regain full mobility.
Reality: Many patients skip proper physiotherapy and, as a result, lose out on the full benefits of joint replacement surgery, says Dr. Chirag Patel, an orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai. With proper physiotherapy and care, most patients return to their regular activities and even take up hobbies they had abandoned due to pain.
Myth 3: Artificial joints don’t last long.
Reality: Modern implants can last 15–20 years or more. Because today’s advanced implants come in variety of materials for stability, durability & customization they provide lasting relief and improved mobility.
Myth 4: Recovery after joint replacement surgery is extremely painful.
Reality: While some discomfort is natural during the initial recovery period, pain management techniques and physiotherapy significantly reduce this. Many patients report that post-operative pain is much less severe than they anticipated and easier to manage compared to their pre-surgery pain.
Myth 5: Joint replacement is only for the elderly.
Reality: While older adults are common candidates, these surgeries are increasingly performed on younger patients suffering from conditions like arthritis or injury. The goal is to help people retain their mobility and help them reclaim an active, pain-free lifestyle, irrespective of age bracket.
Don’t Let Misconceptions Hold You Back:
“Modern orthopedic care combines advanced robotic systems, precise imaging techniques, and the expertise of skilled surgeons to provide life-changing relief for those suffering from joint problems. In short, Joint replacement surgeries have never been safer, more effective, or more successful than they are today”, says top joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai Dr Chirag Patel.
So if you or a loved one is considering joint replacement surgery, don’t let myths or misconceptions stop you. A pain-free, active life begins with understanding the facts and consulting the right orthopedic expert. For those in Mumbai seeking a trusted joint replacement surgeon, reach out to Dr. Chirag Patel for guidance and care.