If you're living with severe joint pain, especially from conditions like osteoarthritis, you've probably wondered: Is total joint replacement right for me? We hear it all the time: patients who are curious but hesitant because of something a friend said, something they read online or a fear that recovery might be worse than the pain they already live with.
VIDEO: Dr. Shore on Hip Replacement
As three practicing orthopedic surgeons who have guided thousands of patients through total joint replacement — from knees and hips to shoulders — we want to help you separate myth from fact.
Myth: “Joint replacements don’t last very long.”
Dr. Duke Hasson: As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in comprehensive care of the hip joint, this is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear.
Many people still think a joint replacement is a short-term fix, but the research tells a different story.
According to The Lancet, most modern shoulder replacements have a very high 10-year survival rate, with many lasting even longer.
PubMed studies on total hip replacements (THR) and total knee replacements (TKR) show that most implants last 15 to 25 years, with some exceeding that depending on the patient’s health and activity level.
So no, you likely won’t need another surgery in five years.
Myth: “Recovery takes forever.”
Dr. Daniel Acevedo: Patients often picture months in bed or a long hospital stay — but luckily, that’s not today’s reality. Most patients begin walking within a day or two after surgery. In fact, at many modern orthopedic centers, including DISC, same-day discharge is pretty common.
Recovery usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the joint and your overall health, and most patients return to low-impact activities like walking, biking, and swimming within 2 to 3 months.
Think of it as trading 6 weeks of focused healing for years of pain relief and mobility.
Myth: “I’ll never move normally again.”
Dr. James B. Chen: Actually, the opposite is usually true. Many patients move better after surgery than they have in years. Limited motion from arthritis often makes people believe their bodies are just “old” or “worn out,” but often, it’s just the joint that needs help.
A PubMed study confirms that total hip replacements and total knee replacements are associated with pain relief, improved mobility, and restored quality of life.
In another study from the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage titled “HRQoL benefits of THR,” hip replacements showed significant improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) across multiple physical and emotional domains.
Replacing the joint can quite literally give you your movement — and your life — back.
Myth: "I'll be in constant pain after surgery."
Dr. James Chen: Another common fear. Let’s be clear: surgery is surgery, and there is some discomfort right after the procedure. But long-term pain? That’s extremely rare.
The majority of patients experience significant relief almost immediately, as confirmed by this PubMed study titled “Total Joint Replacement Improves Pain.” Modern pain control options including nerve blocks, long-acting anesthetics and personalized rehab, have transformed how patients experience recovery.
And remember, many patients come in already in daily, chronic pain. That usually improves after surgery, not worsens.
So... What’s the real story?
Dr. Stephan Sweet: We ortho surgeons get it. Deciding to move forward with a joint replacement surgery is a big deal. That’s why it’s so important to base your decision on science, not hearsay.
Here’s what the studies and our years of experience show:
- Most total joint replacements last decades, not years.
- You’ll likely move better post-surgery than you have in a long time.
- The recovery process is shorter than most people fear.
- And most importantly—you’ll probably be in less pain, not more.
We’re not here to push surgery on anyone, but we are here to tell you that joint replacement has helped countless patients regain their freedom and joy of movement. We believe the key to calm pre-operation is education. The more you understand the procedure and recovery, the less anxious you’ll feel and the better your results will be.
The day you can walk without pain again, sleep comfortably, or reach overhead without struggling — that’s the day it all becomes worth it.
Still Have Questions?
Ask them. Bring your worries, your list of “what ifs,” and your fears to your consultation. We’ll meet you with facts, options and a personalized plan that makes sense for your life and goals.
If you’re ready to learn more, check out our same-day care options at DISC Express Clinics or schedule a consultation with one of us.
You don’t have to live with joint pain forever. Sometimes, the next chapter starts with a new joint and a lot more freedom — and we’re here to make that a reality for you.
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A Top Doctor for Total Hip Replacement in Los Angeles
Total Joint Replacement DISC Resource Series
This is the third installment of DISC's series on Total Joint Replacements. Click here to read our two previous blogs on the subject:
