51 Knee Replacement Doctors in Hyderabad

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement/Knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure used to replace the knee joints with implants and restore the normal joint function of the knees. The bone and cartilages of the knee joints can get damaged during direct or indirect injuries and may be due to disease or conditions like osteoarthritis.

Based on diagnosis/patient condition the following are the types of knee replacement surgeries available:

1. Total knee replacement
2. Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)
3. Kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty)
4. Complex or revision knee replacement

What are the advantages of Knee Replacement?

The advantages of Knee Replacement are the following:

1. Return to normal daily activities within six [6] weeks and may take 4 to 6 months or a year to fully recover.
2. Improved quality of life of patients.
3. Improved movement of the knee and enables the patient to walk long distances with no or mild pain.
4. Relief from the severe pain of the joints 
5. Long-lasting implants which may last for up to 20 years and support the patient to do daily activities without any severe pain.

What are the indications of Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement is only considered when there are any of the following conditions:

1. Damaged/deformed knee joints
2. Severe pain and swollen knee joints
3. Joint stiffness
4. Unable to move your knee joint
5. Severe joint pain which can affect your sleep and make you restless
6. Individuals between the age group of 50 to 80 years 
7. Arthritis

What is the preparation for Knee Replacement?

Before undergoing this surgery your doctor may advise you to follow some instructions:

1. Inform your doctor and anesthesiologist about your current medications.
2. They may ask you to stop certain medications and dietary supplements before undergoing this surgery.
3. Your doctor may instruct you the diet that you should be taking before and after surgery. 
4. Fasting may be necessary before the surgery

What are the steps involved in Knee Replacement?

The procedure for Knee Replacement involves the following steps:

1. An anesthetic/sedative is given before starting the surgery.
2. A urinary catheter may be inserted.
3. Your vitals like heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure will be monitored by your anesthesiologist.
4. The surgical site will be cleansed with the help of an antiseptic solution.
5. An incision is made in the knee area.
6. Then the damaged knee joint will be removed and replaced with a suitable implant.
7. Then the incision is closed using stitches or surgical staples.
8. A drain may be inserted at the incision site to remove the fluid which builds up.
9. A sterile bandage is used as a dressing.

Who can perform Knee Replacement [Right specialist type for Knee replacement]?

Knee Replacement is performed by a specialized Orthopedic surgeon or a surgeon who is well experienced in Knee Replacement Surgery.

What is the cost of  Knee Replacement?

The expenses for Knee Replacement may vary according to the following factors:

1. Doctor fee
2. Hospital charges
3. Medical condition
4. Type of implants/consumables
5. Type of Knee Replacement Surgery (Unilateral/Bilateral)
6. Lab tests recommended 

The minimum cost in Hyderabad starts from Rs.1,60,000
The average amount to be paid in Hyderabad is approximately Rs.2,55,152
The maximum cost in Hyderabad is up to Rs.4,00,000

Is Knee Replacement a major surgery or minor surgery?

The Knee Replacement is major surgery. The surgery is recommended when other treatments and medications are no longer effective in treating damaged bones and joints of the knee.

What is the eligibility criteria for Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement is mainly indicated  to individuals with conditions like:

1. Knee injury
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Rheumatoid arthritis
4. Gout
5. Bone dysplasia (unusual bone growth)
6. A vascular necrosis (a disorder in which there are insufficient blood supply and death of bone tissue in the knee joint)
7. Deformed knee with pain and loss of cartilage

What is the ineligibility criteria for Knee Replacement?

The Knee Replacement procedure is not recommended for the 

1. Osteoarthritis which can be treated with suitable medications
2. Overweight or obese individuals 
3. Current health issues and other diseases which may complicate the surgery
4. Individuals who lack physical strength
5. Individuals with cognitive problems

What are the risks and complications associated with Knee Replacement?

There are few risks and complications involved in the Knee Replacement surgery and few of them are the following:-

1. Infection of the wound
2. Unexpected bleeding and Blood clots
3. Stiffness
4. Swelling of the knees
5. Damaged nerves of the limbs
6. Severe pain in the knee region

How long does it take to complete Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement surgery may take almost 1-3 hours to complete and sometimes it may take more than the usual time depending on the condition of the patient.

What is the recovery time?

Most of the patients who undergo Knee Replacement are able to do their daily activities within six [6] weeks and may take 6 months to 1 year for a full recovery.

What is the success rate of Knee Replacement?

The Knee Replacement is a very successful surgery with over 95% of success rate and high patient satisfaction.

Is Knee Replacement painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under anesthesia.

Is Knee Replacement Permanent?

Knee Replacement is a permanent procedure used to replace the damaged knee caps with implants made of either metal or plastic to restore the normal function of the knee.

What are the long-term results of Knee Replacement?

The following are the long term goal for individuals who had undergone knee replacement surgery:

1. Improve overall quality of life of the individual
2. Return to daily activities without any difficulties
3. Improve/reduce the pain associated with the damaged knee
4. Increase the strength of the knees
5. Improve stability and the range of motion of knee joints

Can Knee Replacement be detected in the future?

Knee Replacement can be detected in the future by surgical scars on the knee and X-ray images of the knee joint.

What are the options if Knee Replacement fails?

There may be a chance for knee replacement failure due to the infection, loss of range of motion, improper placement of implants, bone loss. A revision surgery or a second knee replacement surgery may be required as per the doctor advice.

What are the alternatives for Knee Replacement?

Treating knee pain with medications should be the priority rather than knee replacement surgery. So, some of the alternative treatments for knee pain are the following:

1. Weight loss
2. Cortisone shots at the site of inflammation
3. Exercise
4. Pain relievers and creams or topical gels
5. Knee injections [hyaluronic injections] that can lubricate the knee joint
6. Plasma rich protein injections
7. Acupuncture
8. Knee osteotomy

If the pain is more severe and persistent, then consult your doctor for advice to choose the best option to relieve the pain and to treat the restricted knee movement.