Total Knee Replacement (Knee Arthroplasty)
Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure to replace weight-bearing surfaces of an osteoarthritic knee joint with biocompatible cobalt-chromium implants and polyethylene inserts.
Total knee replacement
Clinical Overview & Disease Information
Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure to replace weight-bearing surfaces of an osteoarthritic knee joint with biocompatible cobalt-chromium implants and polyethylene inserts.
Signs & Symptoms
- • Knee stiffness after waking up or sitting
- • Pain climbing stairs or standing up
- • Joint swelling after light walking
- • Persistent severe knee pain preventing walking
- • Bow-legged (Varus) or Knock-knee (Valgus) deformity
- • Bone-on-bone grinding noise (crepitus)
- • Sleep loss due to throbbing knee pain
- • Inability to bear weight on the leg
- • Sudden knee joint locking with acute pain
- • High fever with red, hot, swollen knee
Causes & Risk Factors
Primary Causes & Etiology
- Primary Knee Osteoarthritis (cartilage wear)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammatory Gout
- Post-traumatic knee joint injury
- Excess body weight & heavy manual labor
Who is at Higher Risk?
- Adults over 55 years of age
- Obese patients with BMI > 30
- Individuals with previous ACL or meniscus tears
- Manual laborers carrying heavy loads
Diagnostic Evaluation & Testing
| Diagnostic Test | Clinical Purpose / What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Standing Weight-Bearing Knee X-Ray (AP & Lateral) | Measures joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and mechanical axis alignment |
| MRI Knee Joint 3.0T | Evaluates articular cartilage thickness, meniscus status, and collateral ligaments |
| Serum ESR & CRP Inflammatory Markers | Rule out septic arthritis and active rheumatoid joint inflammation |
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive: Computer-Navigated TKR
Precision computer guidance places implants with sub-millimeter alignment.
Surgical: Complex & Revision Knee Arthroplasty
Reconstruction for severe bone loss or previously failed knee implants.
Advanced Medical Technologies Available in Partner Hospitals
Possible Complications If Untreated
Recovery Timeline, Diet & Lifestyle Care
Recovery Timeline
| Procedure / Stage | Expected Recovery Duration |
|---|---|
| Day 1 Post-Op | Walking with walker assistance |
| Hospital Discharge | 3 to 4 days post surgery |
| Unassisted Walking | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Full Driving & Active Life | 6 to 8 weeks |
Recommended Post-Treatment Diet
- High protein muscle healing diet (1.2g/kg)
- Calcium Carbonate 1200mg/day + Vitamin D3
- 2.5 Liters daily water intake
Essential Lifestyle Changes
- Daily targeted quadriceps exercise
- Use raised toilet seat & commode
- Avoid sitting on hard floor or kneeling
Prevention & Long-Term Health
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a total knee implant last?
Modern implants last 20 to 25+ years with proper rehabilitation and weight control.
When can I walk after knee replacement?
Most patients begin walking with a walker within 24 hours of surgery.
Top Recommended Specialists Available
Dr. I P S Oberoi
Chairperson - Orthopaedics Program & Chief – Robotic Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy Surgery
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Dr. (Col) Suvasish Chakraberty
Sr. Consultant - Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
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Dr. (Prof.) Ravi Sauhta
Chief and HOD - Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement (Unit VI)
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Dr. Sanjay Sarup
Head – Orthopaedics (Unit-II) & Chief – Paediatric Orthopaedics & Spine Surgery
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Global Cost Comparison Matrix
| Procedure | USA (Avg) | India (ISG) | Turkey (Avg) | Thailand (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total knee replacement | $45,000 | $6,500 | $8,500 | $9,800 |
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Get Free Treatment EstimateCommonly Prescribed Medications
- Etoricoxib 90mg once daily
- Paracetamol 1g as needed
- Enoxaparin 40mg SC injection (DVT prophylaxis)
- Calcium Carbonate 500mg + D3
International Patient Guide
- Valid Passport & Indian Medical Visa
- Knee X-Rays & MRI CDs
- Previous prescriptions & doctor referral