Knee Replacement Surgery
Surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or worn knee joint with an artificial implant, relieving pain and restoring mobility.
Success Rate
95%
Hospital Stay
3–5 days
Recovery
6–8 weeks
Cost Range
₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) — also called total knee arthroplasty — is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures performed worldwide. The damaged cartilage and bone surfaces of the knee joint are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants, eliminating pain and restoring function.
Who Needs Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is recommended when:
- Osteoarthritis has caused severe cartilage loss and bone-on-bone contact
- Rheumatoid arthritis has destroyed joint surfaces
- Post-traumatic arthritis from old injuries has damaged the joint
- Significant pain persists despite 6+ months of conservative treatment
- Daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping are severely impaired
Types of Knee Replacement
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Total Knee Replacement | All three compartments replaced | Severe arthritis affecting the whole knee |
| Partial (Unicompartmental) | Only one damaged compartment | Disease limited to one part of the knee |
| Revision Knee Replacement | Replacing a failed previous implant | Failed prior knee replacement |
| Robotic-Assisted TKR | Robot-guided precision implant placement | Any patient wanting optimal alignment |
The Procedure: Step by Step
- General or spinal anaesthesia is administered
- A 15–20 cm incision exposes the knee joint
- Damaged bone and cartilage are removed
- Metal components are cemented or press-fit onto the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone)
- A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components
- The wound is closed and a dressing applied
The procedure takes approximately 60–90 minutes.
Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Day 0–1 | Walk with frame; physiotherapy begins |
| Week 2 | Wound healed; stitches removed; walking with cane |
| Week 6 | Driving resumption; light daily activities |
| Month 3 | Most patients functionally independent |
| Month 6 | Full recovery; gym and walking programmes |
Costs in India
Knee replacement in India costs a fraction of equivalent procedures in the UK, USA, or Australia, without any compromise in implant quality.
| Location | Approximate Cost (per knee) |
|---|---|
| Tier-1 City (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru) | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Tier-2 City | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Premium / Robotic | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
Costs include surgery, implants, anaesthesia, hospital stay, and physiotherapy. Consult Careforyou for a personalised cost estimate.
Risks & Complications
Knee replacement is a well-established, safe procedure. Potential complications include:
- Blood clots (DVT) — prevented with blood thinners and early mobilisation
- Infection (rare, <1%) — managed with prophylactic antibiotics
- Stiffness — avoided with early physiotherapy
- Implant loosening (long-term, rare)
Related Treatments
Related Treatments
Hip Replacement Surgery
Orthopaedics
Total or partial hip replacement removes damaged hip joint surfaces and replaces them with a prosthetic implant to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Spine Surgery
Neurology
Spine surgery addresses conditions like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and deformities to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent neurological damage.
FAQ
Knee Replacement Surgery — Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for knee replacement?
Most patients are candidates when conservative treatments (physiotherapy, medications, injections) have failed and pain significantly limits daily activities. Age, bone quality, and overall health are evaluated before surgery.
How long does a knee implant last?
Modern knee implants last 15–25 years in most patients. Longevity depends on activity levels, body weight, and implant type.
Is robotic knee replacement better?
Robotic-assisted systems like MAKO offer 3D pre-planning and sub-millimetre implant placement accuracy, which can improve alignment and potentially extend implant life.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients walk with a frame within 24 hours of surgery. Physiotherapy begins on day 1. Driving resumes around 6 weeks; full recovery and return to normal activities takes 3–6 months.
Is bilateral knee replacement safe?
Both knees can be replaced simultaneously or in staged procedures 6–12 weeks apart. Simultaneous surgery requires good overall health and is typically reserved for younger, fitter patients.