Knee Replacement Surgery in India
Knee replacement surgery is a treatment for damaged knee joints. The procedure involves the replacement of the damaged knee compartments with a prosthetic implant. These prostheses are typically made up of plastic and metal. They are designed to last for a long time. These allow patients with knee injury and damage to live pain-free and to get back to their normal lives.
Knee replacement surgery has been performed in India since 1987. The procedure has a high success rate and the average age of people having knee replacement surgery in India is 65 years. Generally, patients younger than 50 years are considered to be young to have knee replacement surgery, though there is no strict age limit.
Why Do We Perform Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee injuries are first treated with non-surgical techniques such as physiotherapy or medications. Surgery is considered only when other techniques fail to improve the condition. Knee replacement surgery is typically performed when:
- A person has trouble standing and walking.
- It becomes difficult to sit and stand up from the chair.
- Walking up and down the stairs becomes difficult.
- The pain interferes with daily activities.
- The pain does not go away with medication and even disturbed sleep.
Conditions That Lead To Requirement of Knee Replacement Surgery
Common conditions that lead to the need for knee replacement surgery are:
- Knee joint damage due to accident and trauma.
- Severe arthritis.
- Avascular necrosis.
- Severe deformity of the legs.
Different Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are different knee replacement surgery techniques. The surgeon chooses the most suitable procedure depending on the patient’s condition. Common techniques of knee replacement surgery in India are:
- Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) – The whole knee joint compartment is replaced with an artificial component.
- Partial knee replacement (hemiarthroplasty) – The damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial component while preserving the natural bone of the knee as much as possible.
- Bilateral knee replacement – This procedure involves the replacement of both knees in a single operation.
- Knee cap replacement surgery – The procedure is also called patellofemoral replacement. It is performed when only the patella (kneecap) is damaged.
- Revision knee replacement surgery – This procedure is done when a prior knee replacement has failed or needs to be corrected. The failed or damaged prosthesis will be removed and a new one will be installed to treat the complications and instability.
What Makes India a Good Place For Having Knee Replacement Surgery?
India houses a pool of highly skilled and well-qualified surgeons. These doctors have carried out knee replacement procedures successfully numerous times. Also, the hospitals in India are well-equipped with the latest technologies, which play a significant role in carrying out a procedure like this. Patients having knee replacement surgery in India are always satisfied with the outcomes and the care provided.
In addition to that, the cost of knee replacement surgery in India is very low compared to certain countries such as Singapore, the US, the UK, etc. This makes it an attractive option for patients looking for a cost-effective treatment. The number of foreign patients coming to have knee replacement surgery in India is increasing every year.
Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery
Before you go through the replacement procedure, certain tests and diagnoses will be performed to prepare you for the process. Common tests and diagnostic procedures performed before having knee replacement surgery in India are:
- Physical exam to ensure your overall health.
- Electrocardiogram to check your heart health.
- Blood tests.
- Imaging tests such as CT scan, X-ray, and MRI.
You must inform your surgeon every detail of your medical history and what medications you are on. Certain medications can create problems while undergoing the surgery, so you will need to discontinue them. Most patients having knee replacement surgery in India are not allowed to eat or drink anything 12 hours prior to surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed information regarding the matter.
Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure
Knee replacement surgery in India is always conducted under anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will give you a type of anesthesia suitable for your condition.
- An incision will be made on the knee.
- The blood vessels and cartilage will be moved aside.
- The damaged cartilage and fractured bone will be removed.
- A prosthetic implant will be inserted to replace the natural components of the knee joint.
- The incision will be strewn closed and covered up with a bandage.
Complications Of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are always certain risks associated with all types of surgery. Likewise, knee replacement surgery also has complications associated with it. Some of them are:
- Infection.
- Bleeding and blood clots.
- Scarring of the tissue.
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels.
- Decrease in mobility.
- Loosening or worn out of the implant.
- Chronic pain.
Knee replacement surgery in India is typically performed using advanced technologies by a well-qualified surgeon. This decreases the chances of complications and results in a better outcome.
What is the Cost of a Knee Replacement Surgery in India?
The average cost of knee replacement surgery in India is ₹4 Lakh (5000 USD). The maximum cost for knee replacement surgery in India is up to ₹6 Lakh (7200 USD).
Best Knee Replacement Hospitals in India
- Fortis Hospital Gurgaon
- Fortis Escorts Hospital New Delhi
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- BLK Hospital New Delhi
- Max Hospital Saket, New Delhi
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai
- Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central
- Global Hospital Chennai
- MGM Healthcare, Chennai
Recovery From Knee Replacement Surgery
Complete recovery from a knee replacement surgery usually takes a year although you will be able to resume most of you previous activities within 6 weeks after the surgery. The actual recovery varied from person to person depending on the overall health, age, and the level of damage before the surgery. Here are some tips that will help you improve your recovery rate:
- Icing of the knee.
- Elevating the knee above the chest.
- Physical therapy.
- Home exercises.
- Proper cleaning of the surgical site.
Ways To Select The Best Knee Replacement Orthopedic Surgeons in India
If you are a foreigner looking forward to having knee replacement surgery in India, you will want to go for the best orthopedic surgeon available. Here are some factors that can help you choose the best orthopedic surgeon in India.
- Look up the credentials of the surgeon.
- Check about the surgeon’s background, credentials, and education.
- Choose a highly skilled and well-trained surgeon.
- Verify the amount of procedures the surgeon has completed.
- Read about their patient’s stories.
Knee Replacement Surgery FAQs:-
Q: How Long Will It Take To Walk After Knee Replacement Surgery?
A: After a day or two following knee replacement, most patients can walk with assistance. It might take a few weeks to a few months to be able to walk without assistance. You might even need a year to regain a normal walking pattern and to have a full recovery. You may attend a rehabilitation program and strictly adhere to your doctor’s advice for faster recovery and the best possible outcome.
Q: What Is The Best Age To Have a Knee Replacement?
A: Doctors usually advise patients younger than 50 years old to postpone knee replacement surgery because prosthetic implants usually last 15 to 20 years. The joint will likely need to be replaced again in the future if someone of a younger age has the operation. Most of the people having knee replacement are between age 50 to 60.
Q: What Is The Main Issue Following Knee Replacement?
A: The most common complaint patients have following knee replacement surgery is stiffness of the knee joint. To reduce this, it is advised to move around as much as possible once the procedure is complete. Physical therapy is beneficial to regain mobility.
Q: Is It Good To Climb Stairs After Knee Replacement?
A: Climbing stairs is a good example of low-impact exercise. It is recommended for patients having knee replacement while high-impact exercise such as running is not advised by some doctors.
Q: Can a Knee Replacement Be Rejected By the Body?
A: Rejection of a knee implant is incredibly uncommon but the chances are not zero. When the patient’s body reacts negatively to the metal in an implant, it can lead to implant rejection or metal hypersensitivity. An autoimmune reaction or an allergic reaction may be the cause of this problem.
