Let’s understand first what knee replacement is actually. It is a surgical procedure to replace the load-bearing surfaces of the damaged, tattered, or diseased knee joint. This surgical procedure aims to relieve pain, disability and restore mobility as soon as possible. The procedure is also known as “knee arthroplasty” or “knee resurfacing”. In fact, it is a kind of arthroplasty. Arthroplasty literally means “the surgical repair of joint”. It is can be a requirement for the main osteoarthritis. Additionally, it may be also a requirement for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The procedure of knee replacement can be more complicated and risky in patients suffering from severe advanced rheumatoid arthritis, stiffness, inflammation, trauma, or long-standing osteoarthritis. Patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis should consider knee replacement when conservative treatments are not working at all.
What is the knee replacement technique?
Surgery is performed by specialist surgeons called knee replacement specialists or knee replacement surgeons or simply joint surgeons. In the procedure of surgery, the specialist surgeon cut the ends of certain knee bones to shape using cutting guides oriented to the long axis of the bones, and then remove the cartilages and the anterior cruciate ligament. The posterior cruciate ligament will be removed or not, depends on the type of implant used by the doctor.
Thereafter, the specialist surgeon will cap the ends of the bones by impacting metal or plastic components, or fixes using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. Some surgeons also use alternative techniques in which they affix the implant without using PMMA cement.
In cement-less techniques, osseointegration and porous metal prostheses are used. Osseointegration is the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a weight-bearing artificial implant. Finally, knee specialists check the stability and mobility, followed by hemostasis, irrigation, placement of hemovacs, and closure.
What are the benefits of knee joint replacement surgery in India?
There are several knee replacement and joint replacement hospitals in India that match the standards and stature of the highest standard of medical facilities. Several hospitals are well-equipped with the best state-of-art infrastructure along with several specialist knee replacement surgeons capable to perform knee joint replacement surgery with absolute care and accuracy. Moreover, the cost of knee joint replacement surgery in India is significantly lower than in other countries across the world. The patients can a significant amount of can save a considerable amount of money and they can use the saved money in this surgery for other important purposes such as purchasing post-surgery medications, therapy, etc.
Indian knee joint replacement specialists can help patients from all over the world whose knee or knees have worsened due to advance rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, and when an injury or accident has damaged the knee(s).
What are the success rates of knee joint replacement surgery in India?
Several specialist knee replacement surgeons in India are known for giving the best results. Dr. Ashish Jain is a renowned knee replacement specialist in New Delhi who holds a record of performing back to back successful knee joint replacement surgeries. Regarded as one of the best knee joint replacement specialists and surgeons in New Delhi, Dr. Jain offers the all-inclusive solutions to challenging problems in the knee replacement surgery domain.
Knee replacement is considered a routine procedure. The procedure of surgery has a high success rate and is considered to be a relatively safe and effective method to get rid of challenging knee problems. Most people who need or undergo a knee joint replacement surgery procedure are between the ages of 50 and 80. After the surgery, patients experience a dramatic improvement in reducing pain levels and increasing mobility. According to many authentic sources, the success rate of total knee replacement technique is more than 90% in India.
What are the factors that can affect the success rate of knee replacement surgery?
Certain factors can affect the success rate of knee joint replacement surgery including:
- The medical expertise of operating knee replacement specialist
- Care and infrastructure available at the hospital or clinic
- The experience and expertise of the support staff
- Infection control practices of the hospital
- Patient selection protocol at the clinic or by the doctor
Knee replacement surgery may involve a few risks. Hence, it is strictly suggested that one must opt for knee replacement surgery after taking into account several considerations. They must undergo a detailed diagnosis done by a specialist orthopaedic surgeon or doctor before opting for a knee joint replacement surgery.
Why is a knee joint replacement surgery useful?
For a person suffering from arthritis, knee replacement surgery may be necessary. More often than not, the surfaces of the knee bones deteriorate in a person with arthritis and the ends of the bones rub together, and hence damage may occur.
Arthritis causes damage to the articular cartilage of the knee, and as a result, the knee becomes damaged or worn. It becomes extremely painful and the knee becomes difficult to move. Bones stop sliding over each other and start rubbing and crushing together.
So, it becomes essential to opt for knee joint replacement surgery in the worst condition. The surgical procedure involves the surgery of knee and replacement of degenerated joints using artificial metal or plastic components, or prosthetics. With a successful operation performed by an experienced knee joint replacement specialist, a patient will feel less pain, recover soon, and the knee will move properly.
When does a knee replacement become necessary?
Among many reasons, there are three most common reasons for opting for knee joint replacement surgery.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis or joint disease. It is more often than not caused by the normal wear and tear of the knee joint. In this this type of arthritis, the patient experiences the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. It is generally age-related joint disease. It mostly affects patients aged over 50 years. Rarely, younger people may also have it.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Also called inflammatory arthritis, it is a long-term autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects joints including keen joints. More often than not it results in warm, swollen, and painful knee joints. In this joint disease, the membrane around the knee joint becomes thick and swollen. Patients experience severe inflammation and pains. Chronic inflammation may damage the cartilage, causing pains, soreness, and stiffness in the joints.
Post-traumatic arthritis
This type of arthritis or osteoarthritis occurs due to a severe injury in a knee joint. It can also occur after the development of chronic inflammatory arthritis. It results in the breakdown of the bones around the knee, affecting the knee cartilage.
In all the aforementioned types of arthritis, knee joint replacement surgery is required. And one must opt for the surgery from a specialist surgeon.
What are the different types of knee joint replacement and alternatives to surgery?
Basically, there are three main types of knee replacement surgery – total knee replacement (TKR), partial knee replacement (PKR), and complex (or revision) knee replacement. Apart from these three main types of knee replacement surgery, there are some alternatives to major surgeries that can be opted by patients depending upon the level of diseases and problems. Other options for major knee surgeries are kneecap replacement, mini-incision surgery (MIS), arthroscopic washout & debridement, osteotomy, image-guided surgery, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
This is the most common type of knee joint replacement surgery. The procedure involves the replacement of both sides of the knee joint. Your surgeon makes the replacement of surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone that connects to the knee. TKR surgery more often than not lasts between 1 and 3 hours. The patient will have less pain and improved mobility after successful surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
As the name suggests itself, the partial knee replacement (PKR) surgery may be a possibility when arthritis affects only one side of an individual’s knee. PKR surgery is done to replace only one side of the affected knee joint. In the procedure, less bone is eliminated through a smaller cut. It will be only right for a patient if they have strong knee ligaments. In this type of knee surgery, post-operative rehabilitation is more straightforward, and there is a small cut, less blood loss, a lower risk of infection & blood clots and a higher chance of speedy recovery.
Complex (or Revision) Knee Replacement
This surgeon might be required if a patient has very severe arthritis or if they already had undergone more than one knee joint replacement surgery.
Kneecap Replacement
Kneecap replacement may be needed if a person’s only the kneecap is damaged. The procedure involves the replacement of only the under-surface of the kneecap. It is a very short surgical procedure but with fast recovery time. There are some surgeons that advise against this procedure because TKR surgery has a higher success rate.
Mini-incision Surgery (MIS)
This is also a very short surgical procedure in which a surgeon makes a small cut in front of the knee of a patient. Specialized instruments are inserted through the small cut to maneuver around the tissue. This is very less harmful and less painful. The recovery time is also faster.
Image-guided surgery (IGS)
This type of surgery involves the use of computerized images and infrared beacons. The surgeon uses tracked surgical instruments in conjunction with preoperative or intraoperative images in order to directly or indirectly guide the procedure. This type of surgery helps surgeons carry out the safer and less invasive procedure.
Arthroscopic Washout & Debridement
In this type of surgical procedure, the surgeon inserts a tiny telescope (arthroscope) through a small cut in the knee. The surgeon washes out the knee thoroughly with saline solution and clears away small fragments of knee bones. This cannot be effective for patients who are suffering from severe arthritis.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy is an open operation that is more often than not used for younger patients with limited arthritis so that a knee replacement can be postponed. In the procedure, the skin bone is cut and re-aligned.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
ACI is a surgical procedure that is more common in the cases of accidental injury. In this process, new cartilage is developed from the patient’s own cells and placed into the damaged area. The cells are matured artificially in a test tube.
How are patients prepared for knee joint replacement surgery?
Knee joint replacement surgery (Knee arthroplasty or Knee resurfacing) is major surgery, so it must opt for only when other methods stop to work. People must opt for this option after adequate consultation from specialist doctors or surgeons. It is imperative to have a pre-operative preparation, medical consultation, and physical evaluation before getting ready for knee replacement surgery. And, all these should begin a month before the decided date of operation.
In preparatory and diagnostic tests, doctors will check blood count and observe how the blood clots. They will also carry out electrocardiograms (ECGs), and urine tests. The surgical procedure will be more often than not under general, spinal, or epidural anesthetic. During operation, the knee replacement surgeon will eliminate the damaged cartilage and bone, and then fix the new implant made of metal or plastic, so that the alignment and function of the knee can be restored.
How much time does it require in recovery after knee replacement surgery?
More often than not, a patient who has knee joint replacement operation will be hospitalized for 1 to 3 days. It will also depend upon the patient – how will they follow and respond to medication and rehabilitation. So, it is imperative to strictly follow the instructions for rehabilitation. After the surgery, a patient might experience pain, but a day after the operation, rehabilitation staff will cheer up the patient to get up and try to walk using some kind of walking aid. The main aim of physical therapy sessions is speedy recovery and to strengthen the knee. A patient might experience unpleasant time during rehabilitation but it will significantly minimize the risk of future problems. It is advisable that patients who do not have help at their homes should stay in the hospital for longer.
How much time does it require in recovery at home?
According to some specialist knee joint replacement surgeons, it can take up to 3 months to recover totally from a knee joint replacement surgery. More often than not, patients may be able to drive again after 4 to 6 weeks and they may return to their work after 6 to 8 weeks. They may need physical therapy treatments for approx. 3 months depending upon the circumstances and pattern of recovery. It is strictly recommended that patients must follow the instructions given by their doctors, nurses and physical therapist.
What advice usually do doctors give to their patients after surgery?
The patients may be asked for the following:
- To take iron supplements. Iron supplements are effective in healing wounds and enhancing muscle strength.
- No bend down. No heavy lifting – for 1 to 3 weeks.
- No standing for a longer period. Standing for a longer period after operation may cause swollen ankles.
- To avoid soaking the wound until the scar is completely healed. Soaking the wound will have the risk of infection.
- To keep the affected leg raised on a stool when sitting.
- To take all medications properly and on time according to the instructions.
- To use walking aids such as a walking stick or walker to walk for 1 to 3 weeks, until your knee is strong enough to bear the load of the body.
- To practice recommended exercises and not skipping the same. Exercises will help in quicker mobility.
- To observe any signs and symptoms of infections and blood clots.
What precautions should patients take after knee replacement surgery?
Patients are required to take certain precautions to avoid a fall. They can follow the following useful measures.
- Have a stable, non-slip chair or bench in the shower. Make sure there is a secure handrail in the bathroom.
- Use a raised toilet or western toilet seat.
- Stay on the ground floor, if possible.
- Even after complete recovery, avoid extreme sports.
What are the risks and complications of total knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery may involve some risk and complications. Hence, it is strictly suggested that one must opt for knee replacement surgery after taking into account several considerations. They must undergo a detailed diagnosis done by a specialist orthopaedic surgeon or doctor before opting for a knee joint replacement surgery. Although total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries have low complication rates, there can be some risks and complications you should know.
Possible complications and risks involved with knee joint replacement surgery include:
- Infection of the knee joint that affects less than 1-2% of patients
- Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the legs) that occurs in generally 2-3%, but may occur in up to 15% of patients.
- Nerve injuries that may occur in 1-2% of patients.
- Persistent pain or stiffness that may occur in 8-23% of patients.
- Prosthesis failure that may occur in approximately 2% of patients at 5 years.
- A blood clot in the lungs, or pulmonary embolism
- A fracture during or after surgery
- Nerve damage, leading to numbness or weakness
- Continued pain or stiffness
- Loss of motion, instability and loosening
- Dislocated kneecap
- Bleeding in the knee joint
- Ligament, artery, or nerve damage around the knee joint
- Allergic reaction to the bone cement
- Excess scar tissue restricts the movement of the knee
Patients must take medical help at once if they have signs of infection or a blood clot. If a patient notices the signs of infection such as a fever, swelling, excessive pain, draining, bleeding and redness then they should take medical aid immediately.
What is knee replacement surgery cost in Delhi, India?
Knee joint replacement surgery can be a very costly affair. But the cost of knee replacement surgery in Delhi (India) is cheaper than other locations and other countries. As you know that there are chiefly two types of knee replacement – total knee replacement surgery and partial knee replacement surgery. It means the surgery can be done for the single knee and both knees. And this will affect the cost. The cost of total knee replacement surgery will be higher than partial knee replacement surgery because, in TKR surgery, both knees are operated.
The cost of single knee replacement (partial knee replacement) surgery in Delhi is around Rs 247000 – 409000. And the cost of total knee replacement (surgical procedure both knee bones) will be around Rs 395000 – 633000.
There are certain factors that may influence the cost of knee replacement surgery in Delhi, India. But patients must have an overall idea about the cost of knee replacement surgery because it is not a matter of a few thousand, the cost will be in lakhs.
Estimated Knee Replacement Surgery Cost
Below is the knee replacement package you can opt for you depending upon your budget.
Unilateral TKR Package (The Cost of Single Knee Replacement)
Treatment Duration: 5 Days
| Sl. No. | Four Bed | Double Room | Single Room | Deluxe | VIP Suite |
| 1 | 177000 | 196000 | 244000 | 291000 | 339000 |
| 2 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 |
| 3 | 60000 | 60000 | 60000 | 60000 | 60000 |
| Total | 247000 | 266000 | 314000 | 361000 | 409000 |
Bilateral TKR Package (the Cost of Both Knee Replacement)
Treatment Duration: 7 Days
| Sl. No. | Four Bed | Double Room | Single Room | Deluxe | VIP Suite |
| 1 | 260000 | 288000 | 358000 | 428000 | 498000 |
| 2 | 15000 | 15000 | 15000 | 15000 | 15000 |
| 3 | 120000 | 120000 | 120000 | 120000 | 120000 |
| Total | 395000 | 423000 | 493000 | 563000 | 633000 |
Estimated Total Hip Replacement (THR) Surgery Cost in Delhi, India
Like knee replacement, hip replacement surgery can be also done for the single hip or both hips at the time. The cost of single hip replacement surgery also called Unilateral THR can be around Rs 251000 – Rs 394000. Below is the unilateral THR package list.
Unilateral Total Hip Replacement Cost
| Sl. No. | Four Bed | Double Room | Single Room | Deluxe | VIP Suite |
| 1 | 156000 | 173000 | 215000 | 257000 | 299000 |
| 2 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 |
| 3 | 85000 | 85000 | 85000 | 85000 | 85000 |
| Total | 251000 | 268000 | 310000 | 352000 | 394000 |
Disclaimer: All the above packages indicate just an estimated charge. You must consult your surgeon to know the final pricing for the operation. Consider this article as a guide. It is quite possible that some information about this article may not accurate, so it is strictly recommended that you should follow what your doctors say.