No way is it like a crown, but the long terms results are very positive. I agree with one comment, consult another surgeon if yours is belittling what major surgery this is. Everyone told me with TKR there would be pain. I had a month of terrible intermittent pain even with all the icing, meds, slow walking in the hall, etc. Next month was fairly sleepless since you have to sleep on your back with your leg straight. Now in the third month and everything is getting better! I can sleep short periods on my side, can alternate legs as I go up and down stairs and have reduced meds. Go for it!