Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Knee replacement surgery is done to completely or partially replace the parts of injured/worn-out knee joints. Both pain and knee function may be improved with the surgery. Knee replacement implants are of the following types:

• Metal-on-Plastic Implant: It is the most commonly used and least expensive implant. It is safe and durable. However, it may cause immune reactions and bone breakage in certain cases.
• Ceramic on Ceramic Implant: It is less likely to cause immune reactions. But it is noisy.
• Metal-on-Metal Implant: It is most long-lasting and durable.

A surgeon assesses your knee strength, stability, and range of motion to determine if a knee replacement is the best option for you. X-rays aid in demonstrating the degree of damage.

Your knee size and shape, age, weight, extent of activity, and general health will all determine the most appropriate artificial joints and surgical methods for you.

Why is Knee Replacement Surgery needed?

Reducing arthritis pain is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. Individuals who require this surgery typically experience difficulty getting out of chairs, walking, and climbing stairs.

Surgeons usually replace just the damaged portion of the knee if only one portion is affected. if the replacement of the joint is necessary, the thigh and shin bone ends are reshaped, and the joint is completely resurfaced. These bones are composed of hard tubes with soft centers. The ends of the artificial components are inserted into the central softer part of the bones.

Tissue bands called ligaments aid in keeping joints together. The surgeon might select implants with connectable components if the knee's ligaments are insufficiently strong to hold the joint together on their own.

Your pre-evaluation procedure may involve following:

• A complete physical exam to confirm your suitability for surgery.
• Blood tests.
• Electrocardiogram to assess the condition of your heart.
• Dental examination to lower the possibility of infection following surgery.
• Imaging tests such as knee X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a computed tomography (CT) scan
• Inform your doctor about any medications and over-the-counter supplements you have taken and you are currently taking
• You will be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements before your surgery. As certain medication may interfere with the post-surgical healing process
• The day before surgery, your surgeon will advise you on when to stop eating and drinking. The majority of patients must abstain from food and liquids 12 hours prior to surgery

In the hospital settings, either a spinal block, which numbs the lower body, or a general anesthetic, which induces a sedative-like state, will be administered to you. In order to reduce pain following surgery, your surgeon may also inject numbing medication in close proximity of nerves or in and around the joint.

During the procedure, you may expect following:

• Generally, a knee replacement procedure takes one to two hours.
• Your doctor will make a cut across the knee.
• In total knee replacement surgery, the three components of your knee joint are the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (knee cap), which will all be replaced by your surgeon.
• In partial knee replacement surgery, the doctor will preserve the healthy bone while removing unhealthy and damaged bone and cartilage
• Insert the prosthetic knee joint
• The doctor will Insert a plastic spacer to recreate the smooth cushion of the cartilage that was damaged or removed
• If required, your surgeon will reshape your patella (kneecap) in order to fit the new prosthetic knee joint;
• The incisions will be secured using stitches and area will cleaned

Like any surgery, knee replacement surgery has risks. Among them are:

• Blood Clots: Blood-thinning drugs are usually advised by surgeons to reduce this risk. Legs are the most common site for blood clots. However, they can enter the lungs and become fatal.
• Damage to Nerves: There is a chance that the implant site will bruise nearby nerves. Pain, weakness, and numbness can result from nerve damage.
• Infection: Either the deeper tissue or the area of the incision can become infected. Infections sometimes require surgery to cure.
• Although Knee Replacement implants are strong, they could gradually loosen or wear down. If such events happen, a second operation might be required for the replacement of the damaged or loose components.

The duration of your hospital stay post-surgery will be decided according to your specific needs. However, many individuals may return home on the same day with a number of post-operative care instructions.

Following knee replacement surgery, there is an increased risk of blood clots. To mitigate this risk, you may be advised to:

• Early Movement: Emphasis will be placed on prompt sitting up and walking with the aid of crutches or a walker shortly after the surgery.
• Pressure Application: Elastic compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your lower legs may be worn both during and after surgery. It helps in preventing blood pooling in the leg veins and lowering the likelihood of clot formation.
• Blood Thinners: Depending on factors such as your post-surgery mobility, activity level, and overall clot risk, your surgeon might prescribe blood thinners for several weeks.

Following are the tips that will fasten your recovery process:

• You'll likely be instructed to perform regular breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level
• A physical therapist will guide you in exercising your new knee
• After leaving the hospital, ongoing physical therapy may be recommended, either at home or at a designated center

• After undergoing knee surgery, the recovery period typically spans 6–12 months, with some cases requiring longer. 
• Depending on your specific circumstances, most individuals can return to driving within 4–6 weeks, with a potential earlier return for those with left knee surgery.
• Ensure your ability to bend the knee adequately for pedal operation. Avoid driving while on medications that may impair your driving skills, and consult your doctor before getting behind the wheel.
• Typically, it takes 3–6 weeks for getting back to work, but this duration may vary based on the nature of your work. For those with home-based work, a return within 10 days may be feasible, while labor-intensive jobs may require a longer recovery, possibly extending to 3 months or more. 
• Consider wearing compression stockings, regular stretching, and foot exercises during the flight to prevent blood clots. 
• You can resume household tasks as soon as you feel comfortable moving around. 
• Initiate walking as soon as possible, initially with assistive devices. Work closely with a physical therapist during the initial weeks to detect any knee issues. Gradually increase activities after about 12 weeks, incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming. Avoid stressing the joint with certain movements, as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).
• For the first 2 years post-knee replacement, there is an increased risk of infection. Antibiotics may be necessary before dental work or invasive procedures. Consult with your doctor or dentist for guidance.
• Opt for loose, light clothing in the initial weeks for comfort. 

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that 90% of patients who get a knee replacement experience significant relief in pain. For many patients, knee replacement surgery helps them to stay active and return hobbies they previously enjoyed, like walking and playing golf.

As per AAOS, over 90 % of replacement knees are still functioning even after 15 years. According to a 2019 study, 82 % of total knee replacements are still functioning even after 25 years of surgery. A successful knee replacement has potential to offer you a higher quality of life, better mobility, and lesser pain.

The cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in India varies according to various factors which are discussed in the next section of this article. However, the approximate cost of the procedure may range from $ 2400-$ 12000.

Following are the factors affecting the cost of knee replacement surgery in India:

• Doctor’s Expertise: The number of successful cases accomplished by a doctor may affect the cost of treatment. Generally, higher the expertise, higher will be the cost.
• Doctor’s Experience: The doctors with more years of work experience in knee replacement surgeries will charge more.
• Extent of Knee Damage: Greater damage will require a more extensive and complex course of treatment, which will also increase costs. 
• Overall Health Status of Patients: People having prevailing illnesses and old-age people will be at risk of getting more complications. So, there will be more post-operative care for them which will increase the cost.
• Out of Pocket Expense: If your treatment is not being covered under your health insurance policy, then you may have to pay a higher out of pocket amount for the treatment. 
• Pre-Surgical Expenses: Various diagnostic tests will add to the total cost of the treatment.
• Hospital Fees: If you are choosing a government hospital for your treatment, then the cost of the treatment will definitely be highly affordable. On the contrary, if you choose any private or corporate hospital for your treatment then you will have to pay a higher amount.
• Type of Surgery: Depending upon your condition, your doctor will plan the treatment approach for you. This will also impact the cost of treatment depending upon the approach chosen.
• City where hospital is located: Hospitals located in bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Noida, Gurugram, etc. may charge comparatively more than the hospitals located in the smaller cities. This is because hospitals in the metropolises can facilitate you better in every aspect.

MedFlick, committed to ensuring a smooth and successful medical journey for you, offers:

• Individualized Guidance: Receive personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a Broad Healthcare Network: Connect with prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons through our extensive network.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: Access a full breakdown of treatment costs, promoting transparency and offering fair cost-effective solutions..
• Comprehensive Support Services: From travel arrangements to hotel and visa assistance, MedFlick provides a range of services to make your experience seamless.
• Multilingual Support: Break down language barriers, facilitating effective communication between patients and medical professionals.

Experience a transformative journey of a successful knee replacement surgery with MedFlick as your trusted guide. Our assistance makes navigating this life-changing therapeutic procedure simple and liberating, filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future.