It is normal to become overwhelmed by the flood of misconceptions and myths about orthopedic implants and their surgery that circulate online. With plenty of unreliable sources, differentiating between reality and fiction can be tough, especially when making a critical decision about a procedure that can impact your health and well-being.
Every year, many patients undergo orthopaedic implant surgeries, including knee or hip replacements, shoulder joint replacements, or spinal implants system replacements. However, even after their widespread use, several rumours and myths are associated with these medical devices. As the tech advances in medicine, so does it advance around you, which leaves you more puzzled about an orthopedic implant and its uses. This misinformation can cause a lot of stress and unwanted worry, which leads to bad decision-making.
It is why, in this blog, we bust some common myths associated with orthopedic implants to help you make a choice.
Myth #1: Every Orthopedic Implant Sets Off the Metal Detector
Reality: It is a known possibility that many of the orthopedic implants can set off a metal detector at security checkpoints and airports. However, the advancements that we witness today have led to the creation of materials that are less likely to set off a metal detector.
Today's implants often use:
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Titanium alloys with lower magnetic properties
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High-grade medical polymers
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Advanced composite materials
Many patients with hip or knee replacements pass through security without any issues. However, it's still wise to carry a medical implant ID card provided by your surgeon for those rare instances when an alarm might sound.
Myth #2: Implants Need Replacement Every Few Years
Reality: The modern-day orthopedic implants are durable and hence, have better longevity. A good-quality implant can last for around two decades, depending on various factors such as:
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Patient activity level
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Body weight
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Initial implant quality
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Surgical technique
The upgrade that material science has witnessed significantly boosts the shelf life of an implant. For example, the gliding surface of a recent generation knee replacement joint is definitely going to be lesser worn off when compared to old implants.
Myth #3: Your Activity Will Never Be Like Before After An Orthopedic Implant Surgery
Reality: The primary goal of orthopedic implants is to restore function and reduce pain, which will allow more activity and not less. After recovery, many patients return to:
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Walking and hiking
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Swimming
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Cycling
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Golf and other recreational sports
Your ability to stay active depends on your complete health condition and the orthopedic implant used for surgery. One factor that can help you stay active and healthy is regular physical therapy sessions. It helps to protect your new joint and its surrounding tissues. Whether you have undergone a foot and ankle plate surgery for genetic deformities or a hip replacement, physical therapy plays a crucial role in your post-op recovery.
Myth #4: Implant Surgery Is Too Risky for Older Adults
Reality: We cannot just consider age only a disqualifying factor for orthopedic implant surgery. Overall health status and functional needs matter more than chronological age. Restoring mobility through implant surgery can significantly improve the quality of life and independence for older adults.
Modern surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, have reduced:
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Recovery time
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Hospital stays
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Complication rates
Myth #5: Weather Changes Cause Pain after Implant Surgery
Reality: There are definitely some patients who have reported pain amidst the weather changes; however, there is no scientific evidence to support it. The most that can be said is that any discomfort that patients face is due to the barometric pressure, which affects the surrounding tissues rather than the orthopedic implant itself. The majority of the patients find that the pain caused due to barometric pressure changes is much less than the pain they experienced before the surgery.
Myth #6: All Orthopedic Implants Are Essentially the Same
Reality: No two implants are the same. An implant can vary massively based on its design, manufacturing, fabrication, materials, and indicated function. All the manufacturers use different techniques and design processes for manufacturing orthopedic implants.
For instance, at Sharma Orthopedic, we invest in research and development for implant production, which is in sync with the patient's requirements. While some implants are made for individuals who are younger and more active, others put stability first for those with complicated anatomical needs.
Your surgeon should always discuss implant options appropriate for you concerning:
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Specific condition
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Lifestyle needs
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Anatomical requirements
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Age and activity level
Myth #7: MRIs Are Dangerous If You Have an Implant
Reality: Most modern orthopedic implants are MRI-compatible.
Implants made from these materials typically pose minimal risk during MRI scans:
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Titanium
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Titanium alloys
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Certain medical-grade polymers
It is necessary to make the healthcare service providers aware of your implants before the imaging procedure.
Final Thoughts: Staying Aware is Necessary When Considering Orthopedic Implant Surgery
Keeping yourself aware of information on orthopedic implants helps you navigate through the surgical procedure with confidence rather than being confused. The orthopedic implants you witness today are a product of research, innovation, and technology. These solutions aim to improve your quality of life by boosting it physically and emotionally.
You should always ask your surgeon or the orthopedic implant manufacturer questions about the implant recommended to you before the surgery to stay assured. Consider talking about the orthopedic implant’s design and benefits by connecting to Sharma Orthopedic, which is committed to quality and patient care. We address all your concerns to ensure that you can make a confident decision about the right treatment options for yourself.