Total Knee Replacement Busting 10 Common Myths with Facts
Know about the total knee replacement, what it is, who requires it and the top 10 myths and facts on it and more.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 10th Sep, 2025
Introduction
Is chronic knee pain from arthritis making every step a struggle? If your doctor has mentioned Total Knee Replacement (TKR), you've likely been bombarded with well-meaning but often terrifying advice from friends, family, and the internet. Stories of unbearable pain, long recoveries, and permanent limitations can make the decision feel overwhelming. It's time to separate fact from fiction. This guide cuts through the noise to address the most common myths and facts surrounding total knee replacement.
Understanding Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
What is a Total Knee Replacement?
A Total Knee Replacement, or Total Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in a severely damaged knee joint. Think of it as resurfacing a worn-out joint. The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of your knee joint (the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia)) and replaces them with an artificial implant made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. This new, smooth surface allows the bones to glide against each other smoothly, eliminating the bone-on-bone friction that causes arthritis pain.
Consult a Surgeon for Personalised Advice
Who is a Typical Candidate for TKR?
The most common candidate for TKR is someone suffering from severe osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage has worn down completely. However, it's also a solution for those with rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or other degenerative joint diseases. Typically, a patient is considered when:
1. Conservative treatments (like physical therapy, medications, injections, and lifestyle changes) no longer provide adequate pain relief.
2. Knee pain is severe enough to limit everyday activities (walking, climbing stairs, getting in/out of chairs).
3. Stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the knee are persistent.
4. Significant knee deformity, such as a bowleg or knock-knee, has developed.
If you're experiencing these symptoms and your quality of life is declining, it's crucial to consult a specialist. You can book a consultation with an expert orthopaedic surgeon on Apollo24|7 to get a personalised evaluation.
Myth vs. Fact: The Top 10 Misconceptions About Knee Replacement
Myth 1: "I'm too young/old for a knee replacement."
This is one of the most persistent myths about total knee replacement. Age is not the primary factor; overall health and lifestyle are.
The Fact: It’s About Physiology, Not Chronology.
There is no defined "right" age for a TKR. For younger patients (50s and 60s), the concern is often about the implant wearing out in their lifetime. However, with modern, durable implants that can last 20-30 years, surgeons are more comfortable operating on active younger patients to restore their quality of life. For older patients (80s and beyond), the decision is based on their overall health and ability to tolerate anaesthesia and rehabilitation, not their age. A healthy 85-year-old can be an excellent candidate.
Myth 2: "The recovery is unbearably painful and long."
Many people imagine the recovery time for knee replacement to be a period of constant, severe pain based on outdated stories.
The Fact: Modern Pain Management Speeds Up Recovery.
While TKR is a major surgery and involves discomfort, pain management has advanced dramatically. Multimodal analgesia using a combination of nerve blocks, long-acting local anaesthetics, and non-opioid medications drastically reduces post-operative pain. This allows patients to begin physical therapy almost immediately, which is the key to a faster, more successful recovery after TKR. Most patients are walking with assistance within 24 hours of surgery.
Myth 3: "I'll be bedridden for months after surgery."
The idea of being confined to bed is a common fear that prevents people from seeking treatment.
The Fact: Movement is Medicine. You'll Be Up Quickly.
The opposite is true. Surgeons and physical therapists encourage movement as soon as possible, often the same day or the day after surgery. Early ambulation (walking) prevents dangerous complications like blood clots and pneumonia and is essential for regaining strength and range of motion. While you'll need support initially, the goal is to get you moving safely and progressively.
Myth 4: "A knee replacement will let me do everything I used to do."
While TKR is a life-changing procedure, it's important to have realistic expectations about life after knee replacement surgery.
The Fact: Realistic Expectations are Key to Satisfaction.
A successful TKR will allow you to return to most low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, golfing, and dancing without pain. However, high-impact activities like running, jogging, or sports involving jumping and pivoting (e.g., basketball, soccer) are generally not recommended as they can accelerate wear on the implant. The primary goal is pain-free function for daily living, not necessarily returning to high-level competitive sports.
Myth 5: "The artificial knee will set off metal detectors."
This is a classic Hollywood-fueled myth that causes unnecessary anxiety for frequent travellers.
The Fact: Modern Implants are Airport-Safe.
Most modern knee implants are made from titanium or cobalt-chromium alloys, which are non-magnetic. It is highly unlikely that your implant will set off airport metal detectors. If you are concerned, you can ask your surgeon for a joint replacement identification card to present at security checkpoints.
Myth 6: "I should postpone surgery for as long as possible."
Many people believe they should "save" the surgery for when they are older or in "worse" pain.
The Fact: Waiting Too Long Can Complicate Surgery.
Prolonged severe pain and disability can lead to muscle weakening, joint contractures (permanent tightening), and changes in gait that can be harder to correct after surgery. Furthermore, worsening deformity and bone loss can make the surgical procedure for TKR more complex and potentially less successful. The best time for surgery is when your knee pain significantly impacts your quality of life and non-surgical options have failed.
Myth 7: "Physical therapy after TKR is optional."
Some patients view physical therapy (PT) as an extra, rather than a critical component of the process.
The Fact: PT is Non-Negotiable for Success.
The surgery fixes the mechanical problem, but physical therapy after knee replacement is what teaches your body how to use the new joint. It is essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Skipping PT can result in a stiff, weak knee and poor surgical outcomes. Your commitment to PT is the biggest factor under your control for a successful recovery.
Myth 8: "Knee replacements only last about 10 years."
This belief is based on data from the first generation of implants decades ago.
The Fact: Today's Implants Can Last 20+ Years.
Thanks to improvements in materials, surgical techniques, and implant design, over 90% of modern total knee replacements are still functioning well after 15 years, and more than 80% last 20 years or longer. For many patients, especially older recipients, a TKR can indeed be a one-time, permanent solution.
Myth 9: "The surgery is extremely risky and often has complications."
All surgeries carry risk, but the perception of TKR risk is often exaggerated.
The Fact: TKR is a Highly Successful and Safe Procedure.
Total knee arthroplasty is one of the safest and most successful procedures in all of medicine. The rate of serious complications, such as infection or blood clots, is very low—less than 2% in healthy patients. Surgeons take extensive precautions, such as administering antibiotics and blood thinners, to minimise these risks of total knee arthroplasty.
Myth 10: "I won't be able to bend my knee or kneel ever again."
Many patients fear their knee will feel artificial and have limited movement.
The Fact: Most Patients Regain an Excellent Range of Motion.
While kneeling may feel different or uncomfortable for some, most patients regain a functional range of motion (typically around 115-125 degrees of flexion), which is sufficient for all daily activities like climbing stairs, sitting in a car, and getting up from a chair. The ability to bend the knee depends largely on the patient's dedication to post-operative physical therapy.
The Real Journey: What to Expect from TKR
The Benefits of a Successful Knee Replacement
The outcomes of a successful TKR are profound. The primary benefit is the drastic reduction or complete elimination of chronic arthritis pain. This leads to:
1. Improved Mobility: Walk farther, navigate stairs, and get in and out of chairs with ease.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life: Return to hobbies and activities you love.
3. Correction of Deformity: Straighten bowed legs caused by advanced arthritis.
4. Improved Mental Health: Relief from chronic pain can reduce anxiety and depression associated with mobility limitations.
Is TKR Right For You? Key Considerations
Deciding on surgery is personal. Have an honest conversation with your orthopaedic surgeon about:
1. Your specific pain levels and functional limitations.
2. Your overall health and any conditions that might affect surgery or recovery.
3. Your personal goals and expectations for life after surgery.
4. Your readiness to commit to the post-operative rehabilitation process.
This is a decision best made in partnership with a medical professional. If you're considering your options, consulting a doctor online with Apollo24|7 can be a great first step to discuss your symptoms and get preliminary advice.
Conclusion
Navigating the decision to undergo total knee replacement surgery is challenging enough without the cloud of misinformation. As we've explored, the common myths and facts about this procedure are often worlds apart. The reality is that modern TKR is a safe, highly effective solution for debilitating knee arthritis, offering millions of people a return to an active, pain-free life. The key is to base your decision on evidence, not fear. Your path to walking without pain starts with taking the right first step: seeking expert advice.
Consult a Surgeon for Personalised Advice
Consult a Surgeon for Personalised Advice
Dr. Rajeev Kumar Agarwal
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
22 Years • MS, PDCC(Endocrine Surg.), FNB (Min Access Surg.), FALS(Bariatric Surg.), FIAGS(Min Access Surg.)
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Sunil Kaul
General Surgeon
30 Years • MBBS, MS, FICS, FIMSA, FMAS
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Niren Deuri
General Surgeon
5 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery)
Guwahati
Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ramesh Vasudevan
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
23 Years • MBBS, M.S. Gen. Surg. FMAS, FIAGES
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(50+ Patients)
Dr Anubhav Chittari
General Surgeon
3 Years • MBBS, M.S GENERAL SURGERY
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult a Surgeon for Personalised Advice
Dr. Rajeev Kumar Agarwal
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
22 Years • MS, PDCC(Endocrine Surg.), FNB (Min Access Surg.), FALS(Bariatric Surg.), FIAGS(Min Access Surg.)
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Sunil Kaul
General Surgeon
30 Years • MBBS, MS, FICS, FIMSA, FMAS
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Niren Deuri
General Surgeon
5 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery)
Guwahati
Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ramesh Vasudevan
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
23 Years • MBBS, M.S. Gen. Surg. FMAS, FIAGES
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(50+ Patients)
Dr Anubhav Chittari
General Surgeon
3 Years • MBBS, M.S GENERAL SURGERY
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
