Knee Replacement Surgery: Cost, Types, Risks, Recovery & Surgeons

Knee Replacement Surgery in India

A knee replacement surgery was first performed in 1968. It is the process by which disintegrated bones of the knee are replaced by an artificial implant.

This surgery is not aimed at correcting a knee disease such as arthritis, but rather aims at restoring balance and function of the knees.

A knee replacement surgery is done only when all other non-surgical treatment methods have failed to reduce pain and alleviate its other symptoms.

There are two kinds of knee replacement surgery: total knee replacement and partial knee replacement. In a total knee replacement surgery, both sides of the knee joints are replaced. In a partial knee replacement surgery, only one side of the knee joint is replaced.

The Knees 

The knees are the most important part of the body when mobility is considered. Therefore, the knee joints are the only joint of our body that is the most stressed. This is also the most complex and the largest joint that comprises bones, ligaments, tendons, and meniscus.

The thigh bones, also known as femur, and the shin bone, also known as the tibia, are joined together at the knee joints.

The knee-joint comprises smaller bones known as the fibula and the kneecap. The tendons connect the knee-joints to its surrounding muscles and the ligaments bring together the knee bones and further provide a balance to the body by supporting the knee.

Types of Knee Conditions 

There are few conditions that contribute to disintegration of the knee bones. The most common is arthritis. Arthritis may be of various types. Listed below are some arthritic conditions of the knee, in which a knee surgery becomes a viable option. The conditions are:-

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilages, or the cushion which supports the joints, get exhausted. It is an effect of aging and occurs to people above 50 years. Because the cartilage has worn itself out, the bones begin to rub against other bones. This results in excruciating pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of ‘inflammatory arthritis’ in which the membrane surrounding the knee-joint is affected. As this membrane gets inflamed and thickened, the cartilage of the joints begin to get destroyed.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

This is a kind of arthritis that succeeds a traumatic knee injury. When bones near the knees get fractures, the cartilage over time gets affected. This then leads to an arthritic condition requiring a separate medical treatment.

Among these listed types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common cause that requires a surgical intervention. Generally, surgical intervention is the last resort of the doctors. Before resorting to this, there are other treatments such as:

• Pain medications
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Using assistive devices along with medications
• Physiotherapy
• Cortisone injections
• Viscosupplementation injections

Who Require a Knee Replacement Surgery?

The candidates for knee replacement surgery are:-

• People whose knee joints have been severely damaged
• People on whom non-surgical treatment such as medications and physical therapy have failed
• People suffering from severe osteoarthritis

Tests Required For Knee Replacement Surgery

The various tests that the doctor may prescribe before a knee replacement surgery are:-

• Routine Blood Tests
• X-ray
• MRI in certain cases

In addition to the above mentioned tests, the doctor may also prescribe other special tests if required.

During The Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee replacement takes around two-three hours and is conducted under general anesthesia that renders the patient unconscious. It is administered through the IV line. Along with this, a urinary catheter may also be inserted.

Following the administration of anesthesia, the doctor keeps a track of the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure level. The surgeon makes the incisions in the knee area. The incision is larger in the case of total knee replacement and shorter in the case of partial knee replacement.

Following the incision, the surgeon carefully removes the damaged parts of the knee joint. The surgeon then places the prosthetic knee joint which is made up of metal and plastic.

This prosthetic knee joint is especially designed for the knee and resembling the anatomical structure of the knee joint comprises tibial component, the femoral component, and the patellar component.

After placing the prosthesis, the surgeon closes the incision/s with stitches. The wound is then dressed with bandages.

After The Knee Replacement Surgery

The patient is taken out of the OT and taken to the recovery room. In the recovery room, the patient is kept under observation and the vital organs are constantly monitored.

The patient may wake up with discomfort and pain. However, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines are administered in case of excruciating pain.

A knee replacement surgery cannot be performed on an outpatient basis anywhere. It requires a hospital stay of three-four days. On the first day after surgery, the patient will meet with the physical therapist who will advise the patient to walk about with the help of crutches.

Physical therapy sessions following knee replacement surgery may be painful, but it is extremely important to follow them so that the new knees are able to function just as well as a healthy knee.

A Continuous Passive Motion machine (CPM) is used during one’s hospital stay. This device is attached to the affected leg and keeps surrounding areas of the knee in motion. This helps with speeding up recovery time and reducing post-operative complications.

Recovering From Knee Replacement Surgery

The patient is usually discharged on the third or fourth day after the surgery. During the discharge, the doctor will hand a set of instructions to be followed while recovering from knee replacement surgery. A very important part of this is following physical therapy sessions. Other suggestions by doctor includes:-

• Keeping the wound dry at all times.
• Keeping the leg at an elevated level.

• Applying ice packs on the knee to reduce pain.
• Avoiding any strenuous activity.
• Avoiding any excessive stress on the operated leg.

Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery Time

Recovering from a knee replacement surgery takes a few months. The recovery time of each patient varies and greatly depends on one’s age, one’s overall health, one’s strength of the muscles, and condition of the joints. However, in a general manner, patients recover in a span of three months.

Risks involved in the knee replacement surgery

The risks involved with regards to this surgery are:-

• Infection- Infection at the surgical site may occur. However, they can be treated with antibiotics. Consult the doctor if and when there is a discharge from the surgical site.

• Blood clot- Blood clots are common among people who do not follow up with the suggested exercises. The major reason is that immobility of a certain area creates blood clots in that area. Sometimes, these clots travel up to the lungs and heart where they cause serious damage.
• Infection of the prosthesis- Sometimes, the prosthesis used causes infection immediately or years later, deep in the operated area. In case this occurs, another surgical intervention is required.

• Implant problems- Sometimes, the implants may create trouble immediately after or several years after the surgery. In case this occurs, another surgical intervention is required.

• Neurovascular Injury- Sometimes, during the surgical procedure, a nerve is hit and injured or damaged. Physical therapy sessions are suggested in case this occurs.

It is very important to avoid any kind of falls after this surgery. For this, one needs to make sure of certain things such as keeping an elevated toilet seat, keeping the floor dry, providing the patient with a stick to reach out for things, and avoiding stair-climbing to avoid any added injury.

How can MyMedTrip.com help?

If you have decided to travel to India for Knee Replacement surgery, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.

Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian, Bengali, and English.

If you have any further queries or questions related to Knee Replacement surgery in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Knee Replacement Surgery

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or worn-out knee joint with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis or implant. The goal of this procedure is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function in individuals with severe knee arthritis or other knee conditions that have not responded to conservative treatments.

What is robotic knee replacement surgery?

Robotic knee replacement surgery, also known as robot-assisted knee replacement, is an advanced technique that combines the expertise of a skilled orthopedic surgeon with the precision and guidance of a robotic system. This technology aims to enhance the accuracy and outcomes of knee replacement procedures.

What are the types of knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery comes in a variety of forms, including:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This is the most common type of knee replacement surgery. In TKR, the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis. The prosthetic components include a metal femoral component, a metal tibial component, and a plastic spacer that serves as the cartilage.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, PKR involves replacing only the damaged portion of the knee joint. This procedure is suitable when the arthritis or damage is limited to one compartment of the knee. PKR preserves more of the healthy bone and ligaments and may result in a faster recovery and more natural knee movement compared to TKR.

Complex or Revision Knee Replacement: This type of knee replacement surgery is performed in cases where a previous knee replacement has failed or requires revision. It involves removing and replacing the existing prosthetic components with new ones. Complex knee replacement may involve the use of specialized implants and techniques to address bone loss, ligament instability, or other complications.

Bilateral Knee Replacement: Bilateral knee replacement refers to the replacement of both knees during a single surgical procedure. This approach is considered for patients who have significant arthritis or damage in both knees. Performing bilateral knee replacement simultaneously reduces the overall recovery time and allows for simultaneous rehabilitation of both knees.

How much time it will take for knee replacement surgery in India?

The duration of knee replacement surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s experience, the hospital’s protocols, and the patient’s overall health. On average, knee replacement surgery typically takes around 1.5 to 3 hours.

However, it’s important to note that the surgery itself is just one part of the overall process. The entire timeline, from initial consultations to preoperative evaluations, surgery, hospital stay, and postoperative rehabilitation, will vary. The total time spent in the hospital can range from a few days to a week, depending on individual circumstances and the recovery progress.

Who can get knee replacement surgery in India?

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals who meet certain criteria and have specific conditions. The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery is made by a qualified orthopedic surgeon based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests. While the specific criteria may vary among surgeons and hospitals, generally, the following factors are considered:

• Severe knee pain
• Functional limitations
• Failed conservative treatments
• Radiographic evidence

What are the precautions after knee replacement surgery in India?

After knee surgery, it is essential to follow certain precautions to ensure a safe and successful recovery. While the specific precautions may vary depending on the surgeon’s instructions and individual circumstances, here are some general guidelines:

• Incision care
• Medications
• Physical activity and mobility
• Weight-bearing restrictions
• Avoid certain movements and positions
• Follow-up appointments
• Lifestyle modifications
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle

What is the knee replacement surgery success rate in India?

The success rate of knee replacement surgery in India, as in any country, can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the surgeon’s expertise, the type of knee replacement performed, and individual circumstances. Generally, knee replacement surgery has a high success rate in terms of pain relief, improved mobility, and patient satisfaction.

According to studies and reports, the knee replacement surgery success rate in India is generally reported to be between 90% and 95%. This means that the majority of patients experience significant pain relief, improved joint function, and enhanced quality of life following the procedure.

What is the knee replacement surgery cost in India?

The knee replacement surgery cost in India can vary depending on several factors, including the city or location, the hospital or healthcare facility, the type of knee replacement (total or partial), the type of implant used, the surgeon’s expertise, the patient’s medical condition, and any additional services or facilities provided.

To provide a general idea, knee replacement surgery price in India can range from approximately INR 3,00,000 to INR 6,50,000 or more. This estimate typically includes the expenses related to the surgery, such as hospital charges, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, implant costs, pre-operative and post-operative consultations, standard medications, and a short hospital stay.

What is robotic surgery cost in India?

The robotic surgery cost in India can vary depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the hospital or healthcare facility, the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the case, and any additional services or facilities provided.

It’s important to note that robotic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures in different medical specialties. Therefore, the cost can vary significantly based on the specific procedure being performed.

To provide a general idea, the robotic surgery price in India can range from approximately INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 or more. This estimate typically includes expenses such as hospital charges, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, robotic system usage charges, pre-operative and post-operative consultations, standard medications, and a short hospital stay.

What are the top 10 best knee replacement hospitals in India?

While it is subjective to determine the “best” hospitals for knee replacement surgery in India, there are several renowned hospitals known for their expertise and success in orthopedic surgeries, including knee replacements. Here is a list of some top hospitals in India known for their orthopedic departments:

• Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Max Super Specialty Hospital in Saket, New Delhi
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
• Global Hospitals, Chennai
• Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
• Narayana Health, Bangalore

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are several other excellent hospitals in India that specialize in knee replacement surgery. It’s important to research and consider multiple factors, such as the hospital’s infrastructure, expertise of the orthopedic department, surgeon’s experience, patient reviews, success rates, and overall quality of care when selecting a hospital for knee replacement surgery.

It’s advisable to consult with a trusted healthcare professional or orthopedic surgeon for personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and condition.

What are the top 10 best knee replacement surgeons in India?

While it is subjective to determine the best knee replacement surgeon in India, there are several highly skilled and renowned orthopedic surgeons known for their expertise in knee replacement surgeries. Here is a list of some top knee replacement surgeons in India:

• Ashok Rajgopal – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Sanjay Gupta – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Rajeev K. Sharma – Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
• Anil Arora – Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
• IPS Oberoi – Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Vijay C. Bose – Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai
• Raju Vaishya – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Raju Easwaran – Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai
• Deepak Chaudhary – Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
• Narendra Vaidya – Lokmanya Hospitals, Pune

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other highly skilled knee replacement surgeons in India. It’s important to research and consider multiple factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, expertise in knee replacement surgeries, patient reviews, success rates, and overall reputation when selecting a surgeon for your knee replacement procedure.

It’s advisable to consult with a trusted healthcare professional or orthopedic surgeon for personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and condition.

When is the right time to undergo knee replacement surgery?

The right time to undergo a knee replacement surgery is when all other non-surgical treatments have failed to address severe knee pain.

Can a knee replacement surgery be avoided?

It depends on how well you respond to non-surgical treatments. If you respond well and the pain is being controlled by these methods, then a knee replacement surgery can be avoided. However, in the case of severely increasing pain that gets worse, a knee replacement surgery may be the only way out.

How long does a knee replacement surgery take?

A knee replacement surgery takes two-three hours.

What is a total knee replacement surgery?

A total knee replacement surgery is the procedure where the entire knee joint is removed and replaced with artificial prosthesis.

What is a partial knee replacement surgery?

A partial knee replacement surgery is the procedure in which only certain parts of the knee joints are removed and replaced with artificial implants.

Which knee replacement surgery is perfect for me?

This depends on where the damage is. If the entire joint has degenerated, then a total knee replacement surgery is recommended.

How long do I have to stay at the hospital for knee replacement surgery?

For a knee replacement surgery of both kinds, you will have to stay for two-three days.

When can I get back to work after knee replacement surgery?

Getting back to work immediately after a knee replacement surgery is difficult. Ideally one and a half months after this surgery, one may be more comfortable to work at a desk job. However, it is important to consult the doctor with regards to this or any question that revolves around day-to-day activities such as driving and intercourse.

When to consult the doctor in case of risks?

Consult the doctor if the patient is suffering from high fever, increased pain at the surgical site, and drainage from the wound.

What kind of anesthesia will be used in this surgery?

In a knee replacement surgery, ideally, a general anesthesia is administered.

How can I apply or get or book an appointment for knee replacement surgery in India?

To apply for or book an appointment for knee replacement surgery in India, you can follow these general steps:

Research hospitals and surgeons: Identify reputable hospitals or healthcare facilities in India that specialize in orthopedic surgeries, particularly knee replacement. Look for hospitals with experienced orthopedic surgeons who specialize in knee replacements.

Contact with Mymedtrip: Get in touch with us through phone, or email. Inquire about the process of booking an appointment for knee replacement surgery. You can also book an online appointment through website –www.mymedtrip.com.

Provide necessary information: You will likely be asked to provide your medical history, previous medical reports, imaging scans (X-rays, MRI, etc.), and any other relevant documents. Make sure to have these ready to provide accurate information.

Consultation and evaluation: Schedule an initial consultation with the orthopedic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will assess your condition, review your medical reports, and discuss treatment options, including knee replacement surgery. They will also provide you with specific advice based on your individual needs.

Confirming the surgery: If the surgeon recommends knee replacement surgery and you decide to proceed. You can confirm the surgery date and make the necessary arrangements with the hospital’s administrative staff. They will guide you through the process, including the required paperwork, pre-operative tests, and financial aspects.