Knee Replacement

Knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) is surgery to replace a damaged knee joint with a metal-and-plastic implant. It is one of the most successful operations in medicine — most patients have far less pain and much better function. It is usually considered when severe knee osteoarthritis has not responded to weight loss, physiotherapy, lifestyle and medicines.

When it is recommended

• Severe knee pain limiting daily life.
• Cannot walk reasonable distances, climb stairs, or sleep due to knee pain.
• Knee deformity (bowing) affecting gait.
• X-ray / MRI showing advanced osteoarthritis.
• Conservative measures (weight loss, physiotherapy, medicines, injections) have been tried.
• Typical age: 60-75, though younger or older patients may benefit based on their lifestyle and overall health.

Types

• Total knee replacement (TKR) — most common; full joint replaced.
• Partial (unicompartmental) — one side only; for selected cases.
• Bilateral — both knees; in suitable patients.
• Revision — replaces an earlier implant that has worn or loosened after 15-20 years.

What to expect

• Usually spinal (sometimes general) anaesthesia.
• Surgery takes 1-2 hours.
• Hospital stay: 3-5 days; often standing the same or next day.
• Walking with support in days; unaided typically within 2-6 weeks.
• Full benefit — usually 3-6 months with good physiotherapy.
• Most implants last 15-20 years or longer.

Risks

• Bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT), anaesthesia-related.
• Stiffness; rarely persistent pain.
• Implant wear or loosening needing revision.
• Outcomes are excellent at high-volume centres with experienced surgeons.
• Higher complication rates in poorly controlled diabetes, severe obesity, unresolved infections elsewhere.

Getting ready

• Quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before surgery.
• Lose weight if possible — reduces complications and implant wear.
• Control blood sugar, BP, dental infections pre-surgery.
• Home prep — raised toilet seat, grab bars, clear pathways, cold pack, walker/crutches arranged.
• Physiotherapy before surgery — stronger muscles = faster recovery.

India-specific practical notes

• Knee replacement is widely available at good quality at Indian orthopaedic centres and medical colleges.
• Costs vary substantially between government, charitable, and private hospitals.
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and state schemes cover knee replacement for eligible patients at empanelled hospitals.
• Choose a high-volume surgeon and centre where possible — outcomes correlate with experience.
• Post-surgery physiotherapy matters more than many patients realise — don't skip it.