42 Knee Replacement Doctors in Pune

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knee Replacement?

In Knee Replacement surgery, the damaged knee is replaced to its original position which helps in restoring the knee function. A surgeon removes the damaged knee and replaces it with implants. The type of implants to be used in surgery may depend on factors like age, weight, size of your knee, shape, activity level, and overall health, etc. The knee joint damage usually occurs due to knee injury or conditions like arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. There are certain 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 6 months to one year
2. Improved the quality of life of patients with restricted knee movement
3. Improve the movement of the knee
4. It helps in relieving the severe pain
5. Long-lasting implants, which support the patient to do daily activities without suffering from severe pain

What are the indications of Knee Replacement?

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

1. Damage to the knee
2. Deformed knee
3. Severe pain
4. Stiffness of knee joint
5. Inability to move the knee joint
6. Severe pain which may affect your sleep and make you restless
7. Individuals between the age of 50 to 80 years

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. You may have to stop the use of certain medications and dietary supplements before undergoing this surgery.
3. Your doctor may instruct you a diet before and after surgery.

What are the steps involved in Knee Replacement?

The procedure for Knee Replacement involves the following steps:

1. An anesthetic is given before commencing the surgery.
2. A catheter may be inserted to collect the urine.
3. Vitals signs will be monitored.
4. The surgical site will be cleansed with a suitable antiseptic.
5. An incision is made in the knee area by the surgeon.
6. The damaged knee joint is removed and replaced with a suitable implant.
7. Then the incision is closed using stitches or surgical staples.
8. A drain is inserted to remove the fluid from the incision site.
9. Wound dressing is done with a sterile bandage.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Knee Replacement?

The following instructions are needed to be followed after Knee Replacement Surgery:

1. After the surgery, there are a lot of things to be done for your safety, recovery, and comfort. Most of the patients will get a few instructions regarding the medications, nutrition, exercise program, discharge equipment, follow-up appointments, etc.
2. Pain may present after the surgery and to manage this pain, the doctor may prescribe NSAIDs.
3. The surgeon may prescribe blood thinners to avoid blood clots and leg swelling.
4.  Few patients may be able to move their knee on the same day of surgery or the day after. 
5. Specific exercises are recommended by your therapist to improve the posture and strengthen the leg and knee.
6. You are advised to take deep breaths to prevent respiratory diseases like pneumonia.
7. A balanced diet, rich in iron is essential for wound healing and restore muscle strength.
8. A fall immediately after the surgery may damage the knee implant and may require revision surgery, so the patient will be advised to use handrails, crutches, walker until the knee is strong enough.
9. It is important to follow all the instructions given by your orthopedic surgeon for fast and better recovery after the surgery.

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

Knee Replacement Surgery is performed by: 

1. An Orthopedic Surgeon
2. An experienced surgeon who has performed successful Knee Replacement surgeries.

What is the cost of  Knee Replacement in Pune?
The charges 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 amount to be paid in Pune starts from Rs.65,000

The average charge in Pune is approximately Rs.1,75,000

The maximum cost in Pune is up to Rs.3,70,000

Is Knee Replacement a major surgery or minor surgery?

Knee Replacement is major surgery as it completely or partially replaces the damaged or diseased knee.

What is the eligibility criteria for Knee Replacement?
Knee Replacement surgeries are suggested to the patients who are suffering from severe pain, loss of flexibility; inability to move leg while walking, climbing the stairs, and/or unable to participate in daily routine activities.

Knee Replacement is mainly indicated during conditions like:

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

What is the ineligibility criteria for Knee Replacement?

The Knee Replacement surgery is not recommended for: 

1. Osteoarthritis which can be treated with pain killers like NSAIDs and other medications.
2. Individuals who are overweight.
3. Individuals who are not fit enough for surgery
4. Health issues, cognitive problems, etc should be considered before undergoing the surgery.

What are the risks and complications associated with Knee Replacement?

The risks and complications involved in Knee Replacement surgery are the following:

1. Surgical site infections
2. Unexpected bleeding
3. Blood clots
4. Stiff knees
5. May cause nerve damage
6. Severe knee pain
7. Breathing problems
8. Swelling of the leg

How long does it take to complete Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement Surgery takes 1 -3 hours to complete.

What is the recovery time?

It takes 6 months to 1-year to completely recover Knee Replacement Surgery. 

What is the success rate of Knee Replacement?

95% of success rate is reported for Knee Replacement Surgery.

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

Can Knee Replacement be detected in future?

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

What are the options if Knee Replacement fails?

There may be a chance for Knee Replacement failure and it might be due to the infection, loss of range of motion, improper placement of the knee implants, and bone loss. So, in such cases, second knee replacement surgery may be recommended 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. Plasma rich protein injections
2. Pain relievers and creams or topical gels
3. Weight loss
4. Knee injections [hyaluronic injections] that can lubricate the knee joint
5. Exercises and physiotherapy
6. Cortisone shots at the site of inflammation
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.