There is a common misconception that arthritis is an old age disease, that joint replacement has a certain lifespan, and that artificial joint replacement surgery is only for older patients (>65 years old), so for younger people (<65 years old) with end-stage arthritis, is it possible to have joint replacement surgery? I will answer these questions for you one by one. How long does an artificial joint last? Wrong opinion: Many patients believe that after hip or knee replacement, the artificial joint can only last up to 10 years, and they worry that after 10 years they will be in a wheelchair or paralyzed in bed. The correct answer: Artificial joints generally have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. In the early days, the life expectancy of artificial joints was only about 10 years. However, recent advances in surgical techniques and joint materials have significantly increased the life span of artificial joints. Nowadays, the life span of an artificial knee or hip joint is usually 20 or even 30 years, and most patients only need to replace the joint once in their lifetime. Even if the joint material wears out after 20 years, a single surgery to replace the worn out parts (mainly the lining) will result in the equivalent of a brand new joint. Therefore, there is no need to wait until you are 65 years old to receive a joint replacement. Is joint replacement a last resort? Wrong opinion: Is it better not to go under the knife as a last resort? After all, there are risks associated with surgery, and in case of failure or complications, it could be worse than what happened before. Correct answer: It doesn't have to wait until the last Conservative treatment, including oral and topical medications and physical therapy is indeed the preferred treatment for arthritis patients. If the condition has progressed to the point where it is affecting your normal life and limiting your mobility, then ask your doctor if you can receive a joint replacement without having to live with the pain all the time. It is important to know that being in pain for a long time is not good for your health. Combined with limited mobility, you are likely to gain weight, have a dramatic decrease in quality of life, and your risk of cardiovascular disease will increase. Many patients who have undergone joint replacement regretfully wonder, "Why didn't I have the surgery sooner?" Regardless of age, as long as the pain and mobility limitations are uncontrollable and interfere with life and work, surgery may be considered and the surgeon will make a determination and give advice based on the individual patient's condition. Long recovery time after surgery? Wrong opinion: Once the joint is replaced, does it take a long time to recover? If you need bed rest or cannot move independently for a year and a half, your life and work are bound to be affected. Correct answer: It will not affect your life for a long time. After surgery, the patient can walk with the protection of a walker on the first day. In general, the patient will heal (be able to move the joints and walk naturally) in 4 weeks and be able to bathe or drive by himself. Factors such as the patient's attitude towards recovery, motivation to participate in post-operative physical therapy and the presence of complications will affect the recovery time and cannot be generalized. Can I still do sports after surgery? Wrong opinion: After the installation of artificial joints, is it like the installation of prosthetic limbs, so that I can never play sports in the future? Correct answer: Of course you can exercise. In fact, most doctors expect patients to maintain a certain level of activity after joint replacement. Jogging, walking, swimming and bicycling are all good exercises for patients who have had a joint replacement. If they are in the recovery phase, then it is best to exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist, to keep track of exercise times, rest intervals and to know exactly when to stop exercising immediately. Will I grow short legs after surgery? Wrong opinion: There are many patients who worry that after receiving a hip replacement they will become long in one leg and short in the other, which will look very obvious when they walk. Correct answer: Generally, there will not be any short and long legs. Experienced surgeons will take into account the influence of pelvic tilt and scoliosis on the length of the limb to avoid short and long legs after surgery. In the early post-operative period, some patients may feel a little uncomfortable with their new hip joint and feel that their leg is longer on the operated side when walking or standing. However, with follow-up visits to the doctor's office and proper rehabilitation movements, the unequal length of the limb will be corrected.