Myths About Knee Replacement Surgery: Debunked

Reality:

You don’t have to be in your 70s to benefit from joint replacement. Increasingly, people in their 40s and 50s are receiving knee replacements with excellent long-term outcomes. 

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we explore non-surgical options first; including physiotherapy and modern advanced injections that keep many patients pain-free for years. But when surgery becomes the best solution, earlier intervention can restore mobility and prevent irreversible joint damage.

Reality:

Modern implants are built to last. A 2019 study in The Lancet1 found that over 80% of knee replacements were still functioning after 25 years, based on global registry data and long-term patient follow-up.

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we use state-of-the-art implants with a polyethylene liner between metal components for smooth, durable movement. Paired with software-guided alignment, our approach helps maximise implant lifespan and long-term joint health.

Reality:

While some improvements continue for up to 12 months, you’ll see major progress much sooner. Most of our patients return home within 24 hours of surgery, their wound heals after just 12-14 days and they’re going up stairs in no time. This is all thanks to our minimally invasive technique and rapid-recovery protocol that reduce soft tissue trauma and accelerate healing.

Learn more in our blog: How Long Does It Take to Recover from Knee Replacement Surgery?

Reality:

Discomfort is manageable and usually far less than the joint pain patients experienced before surgery. We use a light general anaesthetic, adductor canal nerve blocks, and multimodal analgesia (NSAIDs, paracetamol, and local anaesthetic infiltration) to reduce pain and minimise opioid use. 

Reality:

Knee replacement is designed to help you move more: without pain. Once recovered, most patients return to walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and even golf or skiing. We encourage low-impact exercise to maintain joint mobility and support long-term implant health.

Reality:

Your knee replacement should be as unique as you are. We offer:

• Total and partial knee replacements tailored to the extent of arthritis
• Software-assisted surgical planning for precision alignment
• Minimally invasive access for faster healing and shorter surgery time (~30 minutes)
• Specialist-led care with consultants like Professor Adrian Wilson and Dr Kristian Kley, who are internationally recognised leaders in joint preservation and advanced knee surgery

With our team’s experience and technology, no two procedures are alike; and neither are the results.

Read further on our Knee Replacement information page.

Reality:

Waiting too long can lead to worsening deformity, muscle loss, and more complicated surgery. Early intervention often allows for simpler treatment (such as a partial knee replacement) and leads to better recovery. We always explore non-operative options first; but when surgery is appropriate, acting sooner is often the better choice.

For deeper analysis, see Mass General Brigham’s guide to knee replacement surgery2