Bilateral Knee Replacement with Cost

Bilateral Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is usually required when the knee joint has become worn or damaged, limiting mobility and causing pain even when resting. If knee pain or difficulties in both knees are interfering with day-to-day life then the doctor might advise Bilateral knee replacement surgery.

Double knee replacements, in which both the knees are replaced, account for 4% to 6% of all knee replacement surgeries. Bilateral knee replacement surgery is the term used to describe this treatment.

There are two types of double knee replacement surgery which may require a single or two procedures for a knee replacement.

It is characterized as simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery when both knees are replaced at the same time. A phased bilateral knee replacement surgery occurs when each knee is replaced at a different period.

Any combination of total knee replacement surgery and partial knee replacement may be used in either procedure. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery.  Other conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, etc.

What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?

This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.

India, a Preferred Destination for Bilateral Knee Replacement

India is by far one the most popular medical tourism destination, thanks to the long-term evolution of the Indian medical arena. Of late, India has emerged as a hub for numerous joint replacement surgery for international patients from all over the world. India’s healthcare infrastructure is comparable to that of advanced countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom, resulting in equal or even superior outcomes.

The high-quality healthcare services supplied to patients from all over the world is one of the reasons India is becoming a favorite destination for international patients. The cost of bilateral knee replacement in India is comparatively much less and affordable as compared to the Uk, Europe, and the USA. This is why every year, around half a million people from all around the world travel to India for high-end knee surgery. 

The high success rate, advanced technology, skilled doctors, and well-equipped hospitals give hope to patients from all over the world to choose India for knee replacement surgery.

Indian Medical Visa Process (India e-Medical Visa)

By default, the Indian government allows a medical visa to be valid for 60 days. However, India’s new visa policy allows the paper-based medical visa to be extended for up to 180 days.

The procedure for obtaining an Indian Medical Visa is filling out an Indian Visa Application Form online. It will only take a couple of minutes. Then you have to make the payment through PayPal, and provide the appropriate documents for treatment, such as a letter from a hospital. This process takes 72 hours to complete, and an accepted Visa is emailed to the concerned person.

Nationals of e-Visa India-eligible countries who require a Medical Visa may apply online using the online e-Visa India application form at https://www.indiavisa-online.org. A letter from the hospital in India where they intend to receive treatment is required.

The individual may also be requested to show proof that they have enough money to cover their medical expenses in India. They may also be asked to produce a return travel ticket to their native country once the medical treatment is completed. These papers can be faxed or emailed to the Help Desk, or they can be submitted to the website later.

One of the benefits of the Indian Medical Visa is that, unlike the 30-day Tourist Visa, which is only valid for two entries, it enables three entries into India during its 60-day duration. 

The following conditions and requirements of the e-Visa for medical treatment must be understood and remembered as pointers:

• The Indian e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
• The e-Medical India Visa allows you to visit India three times.
• Individuals can apply for a Medical Visa up to three times per year.
• It is not possible to extend the electronic Medical Visa.
• This visa is not convertible and cannot be changed to a tourist or business visa.
• It can’t be used to enter protected or restricted sites.
• Patients must show proof of financial support for their stay in India.
• During your trip to the airport, the patient must have a PDF or paper copy with you.
• On the e-Medical India Visa, patients can request a return ticket.
• There is no such thing as a group medical visa for India; each applicant must apply independently.
• On the day of arrival in India, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Individuals must have two blank pages in their passports so that immigration and border control personnel can stamp their passports at the airport for entry and exit.
• A regular passport is required to be presented. Indian Medical Visas cannot be obtained using diplomatic, service, official or refugee passports.
• Individuals must apply for a paper or conventional India Medical Visa rather than an electronic Medical Visa on the Govt. website if the treatment will continue longer than 180 days.

The website allows a person to apply online, and it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to finish the application. It is recommended that you apply for a Medical Visa in India online rather than visiting an Indian Embassy or High Commission.

Bilateral Knee Replacement Procedure

Severe arthritis producing pain and stiffness in both knees, interfering with everyday activities, and lowering one’s quality of life, is the most prevalent reason for a bilateral knee replacement surgery. 

Stiffness can make ordinary actions like putting on shoes and socks extremely difficult. Weight-bearing movements, such as standing and walking, frequently aggravate the pain. Knee arthritis is a degenerative disorder that normally gets worse over time.

Single-knee replacements and double-knee replacements have similar short- and long-term outcomes. After both procedures, the majority of patients report less knee discomfort and improved function. 

There are two types of double knee replacement surgery.  The bilateral knee replacement recovery depends upon the type of surgery the patient opts for simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery and phased/ staged bilateral knee replacement surgery.

• Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement

Both the knees will be replaced at the same time in a simultaneous bilateral knee replacement. The main benefit of a simultaneous treatment is that it just requires one hospital stay and one term of therapy to heal both knees.

However, because it’s more difficult to use both knees at the same time, rehabilitation may take longer. Many patients who have simultaneous bilateral knee surgery require home support while healing. 

Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement is likewise more time-consuming. This treatment takes three to four hours on average, whereas staged bilateral knee replacement requires only two hours.

• Staged/Phased bilateral knee replacement

Both knees are replaced in two different procedures in phased bilateral knee replacement surgery. These procedures are spaced out by a few months. Each procedure takes approximately two hours. This tiered method permits one knee to heal before the other is operated on.

The key benefit of a phased process is that the danger of complications is lowered. It also necessitates a shorter stay in the hospital. However, because this technique necessitates two procedures, the entire recovery time may be considerably longer. This may cause the patient to miss out on some of the regular activities.

Pre-operative Procedure

The patient will be put on anesthesia before the start of the total knee replacement surgery. Feedback and preferences of the patients help the doctors in deciding upon the right anesthesia. Whether to employ general anesthesia, which induces unconsciousness, or spinal anesthesia, which keeps the patient awake but prevents from feeling discomfort below the waist.

To avoid post-surgical infection, the doctor administers an intravenous antibiotic before, during, and after the procedure. A nerve block around the knee may potentially be used to numb it. After the operation, the numbness gradually fades.

During The Procedure

In the area of the knee, the doctor will create an incision post administration of anesthesia. The damaged surfaces of the knee joint will be removed, and the prosthesis will be used to resurface the knee joint. 

Metal and plastic knee prosthesis is used. Cemented knee prostheses are the most prevalent type of artificial knee. Prostheses that aren’t cemented are no longer used. Surgical cement is used to hold a cemented prosthesis to the bone. 

A porous surface on an uncemented prosthesis allows the bone to grow into the prosthesis. When a knee is replaced, a mix of the two types is sometimes employed.

The prosthesis has 3 parts, namely the tibia, which is used to resurface the top of the tibia, the femoral or the thigh bone, which is used to resurface the end of the thigh bone, and the patellar piece, which is used to resurface the bottom of the kneecap which rubs against the thigh bone.

The doctor will then close the incision using surgical staples. To remove the fluid from the incision site, a drain may be implanted and a sterile dressing or bandage will be applied.

Knee replacement surgery is divided into five categories:

• Total knee replacement surgery

This is the most typical variant. The surfaces of the thigh and shin bones that attach to the knee are replaced by the surgeon.

• Partial knee replacement surgery

This procedure may be an option if arthritis affects only one side of the knee. It’s only appropriate for patients if the knee ligaments are robust and the rest of the cartilage in the knee is normal. A partial knee replacement can be done with a smaller incision than a whole knee replacement.

• Patellofemoral replacement

Only the underside of the kneecap and the groove in which it sits are replaced. For patients with persistent kneecap arthritis, this can be really beneficial.

• Complex (or revision) knee replacement

If the patient has severe arthritis or has had two or three knee replacement procedures, this treatment may be necessary.

• Cartilage restoration

In some cases, a living cartilage graft or cells that develop into cartilage can be used to repair an isolated area of injury or wear on the knee.

The type of surgery depends on the requirement of the patient on the basis of their condition as decided by the doctor. 

Post-operative Procedure For Bilateral Knee Replacement

Post-surgery, the patient will be brought to the recovery room for observation. Once the parameters like pulse, respiration, and blood pressure return to normal or stabilize, the doctors would transfer the patient to the hospital room. Knee replacement surgery normally necessitates a few days in the hospital (5-8 days approximately). 

In a staged bilateral or double knee replacement surgery, the patient will be in the hospital for three to five days and up to ten days after a simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery.

Following surgery, it is critical to begin moving the new joint. Soon after the surgery, a physiotherapist will discuss the exercise options. To begin the physiotherapy, a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be employed. 

This is an automated gadget that rotates the new knee joint through its range of motion. Medication will be used to manage the pain. 

During the hospital stay, the doctor will keep a watch for signs of blood clots, infection, and other issues. The doctor will also demonstrate low-intensity exercises that can help the patient to move better and mend the knees.

Physiotherapy will begin soon after surgery to help return to normal knee movement. These programs typically last 6 to 12 weeks, although they might last longer depending on the development and pre-existing physical condition.

To improve mobility, physiotherapy may include a walking regimen and various knee-strengthening exercises. It will also help to restore knee motion. Both in the hospital and after discharge, the patient will be given an exercise plan to follow.

Tips And Advice

It’s critical to keep the surgical area clean and dry once the patient returns home. Bathing instructions will be given by your doctor. During a subsequent appointment visit, the stitches or surgical staples will be removed.

As directed by the doctor, use pain medication for soreness. Aspirin and other pain relievers can raise the risk of bleeding. Take only the medications that have been prescribed by the doctor.

In case of fever, pain surrounding the incision site becoming unbearable, Incision site redness, bleeding, edema, or discharge, the patient must report immediately. Unless your doctor instructs otherwise, the patient may resume a regular diet.

Unless advised, avoid driving. Other restrictions on activities may also apply. It may take several months for the patient to fully recuperate from the surgery.

Post bilateral knee replacement surgery, or any knee surgery, it’s critical to prevent falling because a fall might cause damage to the new joint. Until the patient regains their strength and improves balance the therapist may prescribe using an assistive device like a cane or walker. 

Making some changes at the home may help, like all stairwells should have proper handrails, Handrails in the shower or bath for added safety, etc.

How Can MyMedTrip.com Help You?

It is natural to be overwhelmed and concerned while traveling to a new place for medical treatment. Throughout the journey, we shall assist the patient and their attendant, and provide a manager for help throughout the whole medical trip. We will also assist in overcoming linguistic barriers.

Should you decide on traveling to India for medical assistance, you may email us at hi@mymedtrip.com or WhatsApp at +91 9818237391. The first consultation arranged by us would be free of cost! Additionally, we also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.

For any further assistance/queries or questions related to bilateral knee transplant as well as services in India, do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address. We shall be glad to assist you and help you get well soon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bilateral Knee Replacement

After a bilateral knee replacement, what can I expect?

Patients who receive a double knee replacement surgery need only one recovery period and miss less time at work. After knee replacement surgery, a person can return to work after 4 to 6 weeks. A person who undergoes two knee replacements will be out of work for 4 to 6 weeks for each knee.

After bilateral knee replacement, how long does an individual use a walker?

A patient might use a walker for 1 to 3 weeks before switching to crutches. When the individual feels more strong and more comfortable they can switch to a cane.

After bilateral knee replacement, how long does the pain last?

Following a total knee replacement surgery, a patient may experience general pain for several weeks. Swelling usually lasts two to three weeks following surgery, although it can last up to six months. Following surgery, bruising may last for 1 to 2 weeks.

Is it possible to kneel after having double knee replacements?

Kneeling after a total knee replacement is not detrimental to the knee, though it may be painful. Please ask the doctor if certain movements are to be avoided or not.

After a knee replacement, how far should a knee bend?

After a knee replacement, the goal is to get the knee to a flexion or bending motion of at least 120 degrees. To get into and out of a car, at least 110 degrees is needed, and most people need 110 to 120 degrees to ride a bike.

Is a brace required after having a knee replaced?

The doctor may prescribe a knee brace after the surgery. Make sure to use it. Maintain the knee brace on as much as possible to assist keep the knee straight and avoid any unneeded strain.

Is it worthwhile to have a knee replacement?

Knee replacement gives pain relief, increases mobility, and helps achieve a higher quality of life for the majority of patients.

Is it safe to walk before having a knee replacement?

Pay attention to the body and do as much exercise as the inner strength permits. Do not over-stress.

Should I use ice packs or a heating pad?

Ice can be used to assist reduce pain, but if left on for more than 20 mins, it can be detrimental. Heat should be avoided for the first six weeks following surgery.

Is bilateral knee replacement affected by the weather?

When the temperature lowers, replacement joints are usually not painful, although stiffness and increased sensitivity are prevalent.