Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about joint replacement and orthopaedic treatments.
When the knee or hip joint is worn out it gives rise to pain. In an advanced
disease, it’s impossible to get the worn out cartilage back onto the
articulating surfaces. At this stage, the surgeon does the total knee/hip
replacement surgery. In this surgery, the diseased/rough and worn out surface is
sliced off and is replaced by same thickness of artificial metal surface, the
endoprosthesis.
Of course, you need to consult your orthopaedic surgeon when you start with
knee/joint pain. Roughly when it’s difficult for you to walk >500 meters and
stand >20 minutes at a place because of knee joint pain, probably you are a
candidate for surgery.
Of course, it’s one of the most successful surgeries in the present time. But
the success of surgery is related to the expectation after surgery and also to
the pain and disability before surgery.
Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within 4–8
weeks with proper rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Modern implants can last 15–25 years or more depending on lifestyle, activity
level, and overall health.